Sandwell Council is continuing its battle to bring more empty properties back into use with the launch of a new information pack for owners.

It follows the success of officers from the Council's Empty Property Team, who have helped transform 31 previously empty houses into homes over the past three months.

The Council actively encourages owners of empty homes to bring them back into use and has produced an Empty Property Information Pack. It contains ideas and possible solutions to tackling empty properties and information on renting out vacant houses and flats.

It is hoped the move will encourage owners to take positive action while providing advice and assistance on how to bring empty properties back into housing use.

Empty properties are a cause for concern since they can fall into disrepair and become eyesores that spoil the look of the neighbourhood. They also attract vandalism, arson attacks and other anti-social behaviour.

Void properties often mean useful homes are going to waste when there is a demand for housing from people who want to live in Sandwell.

An empty property can devalue the homes around it and also cost the owner money to keep them unoccupied, with council tax and other bills still to pay despite them being empty.

Cllr Mahboob Hussain, Sandwell Council's Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing said: "The commitment and dedication from the Empty Property Team has already resulted in positive action in bringing empty properties back into housing use.

"We want to do more and this latest information pack gives sound advice to encourage owners to take action themselves".

Peter John, Sandwell Council's operations director for Housing Strategy added: "Empty properties are a waste and they create a poor impression of Sandwell.

"Our aim is to bring them back into use as good homes for people to live in and we work closely with property owners to do this.

“In extreme cases the council has legal powers we can use to force owners to take action if they won't deal with complaints themselves.

"We much prefer working collaboratively with owners because the end result is a gain for everyone. An occupied house improves neighbourhoods, provides an income for the owner and creates a good home for a household in need."