A CARLISLE property has been given a new lease of life as part of Cumberland Council’s enforced sales policy.

The mid terraced house in central Carlisle has been unoccupied for five years.

The council stepped in when damp was spreading to adjacent homes, after many attempts were made to engage with the legal owner.

Works in default were arranged under the Environmental Protection Act to limit any further damage.

This meant a sale could be enforced, as the cost of the works totalled more than £1,000, under the new council’s enforced sales policy.

Councillor Emma Williamson, Executive Member for Children and Family Wellbeing and Housing, said: "We’re delighted to announce our first house sale under our enforced sale policy.

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“This policy not only gives us the chance to act when empty homes cause a nuisance and blight our communities, it allows us to bring a family home back to the market.

“Enforcement is a last resort, and many attempts were made to rectify the issues with the legal owner before the decision was made put the property up for auction."

Any profit made from the sale of the property, once any works in default and fees have been deducted, will go to the legal owner.

If you would like to report an empty home in your area, or you have an empty home and need advice, contact Cumberland Council on 0300 373 3730.