By and large the problem is the large number of absentee landlords that bought up cheap properties, and then installed tenants. They have no interest in being good neighbours since they do not live there themselves, while their tenants can hardly be blamed for thinking it's not really up to them to keep the exterior of their house well-decorated, and the garden attractively planted. The solution would be some sort of restriction on the proportion of properties in a given street, or given area, that can be let. If we can create conservation areas that create restrictions for the benefit of everyone who lives in them, then why not a similar restriction for landlords? Simply create a limited number of licences on an annual, or five yearly basis, and - if there are more landlords than licences available - let them bid for them. If there are enough licences to go round, then great - the area doesn't have a problem.

By the way, I'm also available to solve world peace and the global shortage of decent haircuts for teenagers.

Name and shame these individuals that continue to bring the Borough down. I moved out of Nelson after living there over 40 years and could almost cry when I go back and see the state of Nelson and Brierfield these days. Certain areas look not much better than the council tips! And before you all jump on the band waggon I know there are some nice areas in Nelson and Brierfield but mainly on the outskirts - I bet if all addresses were given where these notices have been issued most would be in the town centre areas or just off the main roads running through the towns the roads people now avoid and bypass the towns because its like driving into ghetos... name and shame these people - where has peoples pride gone these days? Wgere has the respect for others and the community gone that certain people think its ok to live in grot spots?

The council maybe issue these notices, but do they actually 'follow up'
after the owner(s) 'claim' to have 'fixed' the property. I live next door to a delapidated property which is empty. The state of the property is effecting my property, I have been to the council on 3 seperate occasions, to report the faults. All they tell me is they have issued a notice and they cannot do anything until 21 days. It is well over 21 days, the owner has carried out temporary fixes, but the faults to my property are still there. I have given up because I do not have the energy or the time chasing the council and the property owner.