Local activists tackle nuisance properties

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th Aug 2006

Abandoned properties can attract crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Local Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to tackle this issue of abandoned properties causing a nuisance in Hounslow. There are estimated to be 1865 abandoned properties across the area. 1299 people are presently in temporary accommodation in Hounslow.

The drive is part of a national Liberal Democrat campaign to tackle the problem of empty homes.

Local Lib Dem activist Satnam Kaur Khalsa said:

"We need community action to identify properties that are attracting crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"We can then report these properties to the council so that they can be dealt with appropriately, either by being secured or refurbished and released for people who desperately need housing in the area."

Liberal Democrat housing Spokesperson Dan Rogerson MP said:

"I am delighted that the Empty Homes campaign is being taken up in Hounslow.

"Nationally there are more than 100,000 households in temporary accommodation, and 1 in 10 children live in overcrowded accommodation. Yet there are more than 700,000 empty homes waiting to be filled."

Related Links:

Report an abandoned home that is causing a nuisance

The campaign is endorsed by the Empty Homes Agency