OWNERS of empty homes throughout West Devon are being urged to bring their properties back to life.

Recent estimates show there are approximately 60 homes in the borough which have been empty for more than two years.

Now West Devon Borough Council is writing to the owners offering to help them bring these potential homes back into use as it may help re-house families within their communities.

Later this month, the council will survey property owners to find out why the buildings are unused. The council hopes the results will show why some properties are empty and what plans there may be, if any, to bring them back into use.

Homes can be left unoccupied for a variety of reasons and the council wants to help people make full use of what could be a valuable asset, not just for the owner, but for a local family looking for somewhere to live.

The council is also aware that in some cases the condition of these properties may be affecting the wellbeing of local communities, having an adverse affect on neighbourhoods, or acting as a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of the borough council's community services committee, said: 'Empty properties are a wasted resource particularly with the current shortage of affordable housing in West Devon.

'It makes sense to do all that we can to bring these valuable assets back into use.

'Affordable homes for local people can be provided in a number of ways and this scheme is one of the viable alternatives to building new homes.

'By encouraging people to take action and repair or renovate these properties, we are also helping to boost the job prospects for local trades people and craftsmen.'

A large proportion of owners will already have plans for the future of their property but others may need a helping hand and this is where the council can offer advice and information to owners, tenants and landlords.

Financial help may also be available through a low interest loan supported by the council.

Alternatively, the council can put owners in touch with a charitable scheme which offers a grant for essential repairs and a property management service, in return for a lease agreement.

For further information, or to tell us about an empty property, call the borough's environmental health department on 01822 813600, email [email protected]">[email protected] call in to the council's Kilworthy Park, Tavistock or St James Street, Okehampton, offices or visit the website at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk