OUT of 132 homes that have been empty for more than two years, 44 have now been returned to use to provide homes within the local community using Mid Devon District Council’s empty homes plan.

The plan focuses on working with owners of long-term empty homes where the home is having a negative impact on communities and could provide homes for local people.

As part of the council’s plans to regenerate Mid Devon, the Private Sector Housing Team is working to bring as many empty homes back into use as possible during the next year.

Councillor Ray Stanley, Cabinet Member for Housing, commented: "Bringing empty homes back into use is a high priority for the council to help us regenerate our towns and villages and provide much-needed local housing.”

To continue with this successful activity the council needs the help of local residents.

It would like the public to let it know about any empty homes that are causing problems in the Mid Devon area by sending an email to: [email protected] .

Alan Quick