AN empty house that caused blight on a Burnley community has been transformed thanks to a programme run by Burnley Council.

The terraced property in Brennand Street had been vacant since 2007 and was causing problems for local residents as it attracted anti-social behaviour such as fly-tipping. 

The council stepped in earlier this year and, through its empty homes cluster programme, set about restoring the house and making it habitable once again.

The property will now be leased to Calico housing association for social rent under its management.

Coun John Harbour, the council’s executive member for housing and environment, said: “The previous owner died and left no will so the house would have remained empty if the council hadn’t stepped in.

“The empty homes cluster programme is aimed at doing just this, taking houses that have been vacant for a number of years and bringing them back into use as good homes.

“Empty houses can often become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.”