THE city council has asked estate agents to put unwanted council houses in their windows in a bid to attract tenants.
The council is alarmed at the increasingly low demand for council properties in areas such as Ryelands and the Marsh.
But local estate agents have given a very 'cool' reception to the council's idea forcing them to think again.
Other suggestions to attract tenants includes a promotional video, display boards and mail shots.
A dedicated property shop has been ruled out at this stage.
Up to 560 council houses become vacant each year which virtually no demand for properties in certain areas and officers would like to see a relaxation of allocation policies.
In the future properties which have been void for three weeks, refused on three occasions or where it is impossible to produce a shortlist of applicants will be advertised in council offices and the local press.
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