Council takes leagal action on derelict house

Legal action is being taken over a home in South Gloucestershire that has not been lived in for more than 16 years.

The house in Coalpit Heath is being made the subject of an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) to allow it to once again be occupied.

A South Gloucestershire Council spokeswoman said before EDMOs neighbours often ended up living next to eyesores.

"Now we have the legal power to take positive action," she added.

EDMOs allow councils in certain circumstances to take over the management of empty residential properties with a view to agreeing with owners a plan to bring them back into occupation.

This can only happen where the council has been unable to persuade the owner to bring the property back into use and as a last resort.