Action taken to deal with three anti-social hotspots

Action is being taken to tackle three anti-social hotspots in the borough following a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet.

Two Grimsby properties and one in Cleethorpes are all earmarked to be bought by the local authority under Compulsory Purchase Orders after repeated failed attempts to get the owners to bring the properties back into use.

The properties have been identified as ones in the borough that adversely affect the local housing market, prevent regeneration, and attract anti-social behaviour.

Council officers and the police have been called out to these three properties multiple times in the last few years to deal with enforcement issues and fly tipping problems.

Cllr Philip Jackson, leader of the Council, said: “We have tried to encourage the owners time and time again to improve, occupy, let or sell the properties, but nothing has been done. We have even tried to negotiate with the owners to allow us to purchase the properties, but these negotiations have not come to fruition. CPOs are being sought as a last resort, and whilst this isn’t our preferred way of doing things, we need to tackle these properties to improve the areas for others.”

Provisional values for the properties from the Valuation Office and local chartered surveyors range from just £8,000 for 168 Rutland Street in Grimsby through to £120,000 for 49 Bentley Street in Cleethorpes. The third property, 62 Pasture Street and 63-67 Willingham Street has a current estimated value of £25,000.

The properties will be independently valued, and purchased using money from the Empty Homes Capital Budget. Following the purchase, the properties may be sold on for redevelopment, or be refurbished for future use.

“This project will directly improve the environment for the communities living in the area,” continued Cllr Jackson. “The CPO of three derelict properties gives the Council the capacity to improve the appearance of the streets, remove health hazards and make it a safer environment to live in.

“Once the properties are either renovated or demolished and rebuilt they will offer a good standard of accommodation for some of our residents.”