A number of empty properties in Worcester have been brought back into use to help get people off the housing waiting list, thanks to a city-based landlord.

Nexus Housing – part of the West Mercia Housing Group – has bought 81 properties located in the city and in Droitwich from The Riverside Group, which is reorganising its housing stock.

While the majority did have tenants – who were not adversely affected by the change and retain all of their current tenants’ rights –  a number were left empty. Nexus Housing started plans to put the flats and houses back into use this week to help tackle the shortage of affordable rented property in the area.

The deal covers 18 flats in St Peter’s Gardens, Droitwich, 62 one-bed flats and bedsits in Vicarage Court and Willow Court, Worcester, and one house in Stanley Road, Worcester, all of which will be rented. Nexus Housing already manages more than 2,700 homes across Worcestershire.

The housing association will work with Worcester City Council to draw up a local lettings policy to ensure that a mix of people from the housing waiting list are given the opportunity to apply for the empty homes.

“As an established and trusted landlord based in Worcester, we are pleased to be able to take on these additional properties, increasing the number of people we can provide a home for,” said Catherine Birkby, assistant director of Nexus Housing.

“It is important that we get the right mix of tenants in an area to help create a real sense of community.

“We are working with a number of local agencies and will now be liaising with all tenants to see what our priorities should be for renovating the homes and addressing any other existing problems in each neighbourhood.”

Future vacancies at the newly-renovated properties will be available through a choice-based lettings system, which has recently been launched in Worcester City and Wychavon. The scheme, introduced by Nexus Housing and Worcester City Council, advertises available homes so that those on the waiting list can express an interest in preferred properties.