LOCAL CAMPAIGNERS TARGET ABANDONED PROPERTIES

12.29.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 8th Aug 2006

Local Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to tackle the issue of abandoned properties, which are causing a nuisance in Ashfield. There are estimated to be 1,822 abandoned properties across Ashfield. The drive is part of a national Liberal Democrat campaign to tackle the problem of empty homes.

Local campaigner Jason Zadrozny said: "We need community action to identify properties that are attracting crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"We can then report these properties to the council so that they can be dealt with appropriately, either by being secured or refurbished and released for people who desperately need housing in the area."

Liberal Democrat housing Spokesperson Dan Rogerson MP said:

"I am delighted that the Empty Homes campaign is being taken up in Ashfield.

"Nationally there are more than 100,000 households in temporary accommodation, and 1 in 10 children live in overcrowded accommodation. Yet there are more than 700,000 empty homes waiting to be filled."

Anyone wishing to report an abandoned home that is causing a nuisance should contact Jason Zadrozny on 01623 441020.