CONCERNS have been expressed at the hundreds of empty homes in Rhyl and other towns in Denbighshire.
Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane believes more needs to be done to tackle the issue of unoccupied properties in his constituency, including some that have not been lived in for several years.
With just one empty homes officer operating in Denbighshire, funded by North Housing Association, Mr Ruane says more work is required to bring the hundreds of empty properties across the county back into use and avoid the negative consequences that can arise from nobody living in properties.
He said: “Around 800 properties lie empty in Denbighshire alone and each of these has a cost not only economically but also socially for the communities which they’re located.
“Denbighshire has around 2,500 people on its waiting list and by bringing these properties back into use huge steps could be made to reduce this list.
“For example, there are two properties on Conwy Street in Rhyl which have been empty for a number of years and these are causing great concern to residents and businesses on the street, as not only are they falling into disrepair but the properties are also attracting fly-tippers and other undesirable elements.”
Mr Ruane is now calling for local authorities to be able to do all they can to help resolve the issue of homes lying empty and the consequences they may bring.
He added: “Empty properties have a negative impact on communities and I would like to see local authorities – not just Denbighshire County Council – use the powers they have to bring these back into use.”