Rescued empty home now ready for occupancy

The house, in Wenham Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, stood abandoned for at least 10 years after the owner moved out for personal reasons.

Vandals and squatters had taken a great interest in the property and concerned neighbours contacted the Council asking if there was anything it could do to help.

The Council went to court and became the first authority in the east of England to successfully obtain an Interim Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) under the Housing Act 2004.

This means that although the property still belongs to the owner it can be managed by the Council.

The EDMO enabled Council officers to enter the property, where they found a metre-high pile of mail behind the door. They later undertook £30,000 worth of repair and restoration work.

Through South Essex Homes, the organisation which manages the Council's housing stock, the property will become a much-needed family home.

It will be advertised through the Choice Based Lettings system operated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Anna Waite, Executive Councillor for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said: "This is the first time we have brought a long-term empty home back into use to provide a vital family home.

"It's a very important step and we hope it will be the first of many similar success stories.

"Congratulations to all involved for turning a property which was attracting anti-social behaviour into a proper home which has given a family the security of good quality accommodation."

South Essex Homes Executive Director Mario Ambrose said: "South Essex Homes is proud to have contributed to a much-needed family size home being made available to let."