THE number of long-term empty homes in Bolton has almost halved since 2010.

Figures show that the number of houses that have been vacant for more than six months has dropped from 2,980 seven years ago to 1,525 in 2016.

Although the latest figure means there are more than 10 empty homes per square kilometre in the borough — the 57th highest among England’s 360 local authorities — it has dropped from 21.29 per square kilometre in 2010.

It was recently reported in The Bolton News that a further 318 long-term empty properties have been brought back into use so far this year.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, said: “We are committed to getting Bolton’s empty homes back into use.

“We have a team who work specifically with long term empty home owners to help them find the best way to get their property occupied.

“The number of long term empty homes has almost halved in six years thanks to their advice, help and support.

“We are also expecting the latest figures for 2017 to show a further a reduction in the number of long term empty homes.”

Earlier this year, the council also unveiled a new partnership with Bolton College and the University of Bolton on a pilot project to transform a rundown, empty house on Victoria Grove.

The house has been empty since 1993 according to council tax records, making it the longest-term vacant property in the borough.

In August, the council stated that the total number of empty properties in Bolton — including second homes — stood at 4,147.

Cllr Sherrington added: “We employ a dedicated empty homes co-ordinator who supports owners and landlords to bring their properties back into use. Other initiatives we have introduced include an online Matchmaker Scheme, which matches empty home owners with potential buyers.

“The team also offers advice about how to rent out properties and encourage landlords to sign up to the Bolton Landlord Accreditation Scheme.

“We always try and work with landlords but if after repeated contact they don’t take action and the empty property is causing an issue, we will use our enforcement powers.

“More still needs to be done and the team is continuing its work to bring more empty homes back into use.”