New measures to tackle and reduce long-term empty properties in Wrexham welcomed

New enforcement measures aimed at tackling and reducing the number of long-term empty properties in Wrexham, have welcomed by councillors and the town’s MP.

Executive board members last week unanimously voted in favour of a new process to prioritise enforcement action to address “problematic and long-term empty” buildings in the area.

A scoring matrix is to be created to prioritise empty buildings which urgently require improvement work, while a specialist in-house group will be established so decisions can be made over what enforcement is required.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of the council said: “I think every member in the room probably has an empty property or had an empty property in their ward.

“For a long time we didn’t have a policy to deal with it. I believe in front of you, we have the opportunity to bring back empty properties in Wrexham back into use.”

The report was seconded by Lead Member for Housing, Cllr David Griffiths, who added that for too long empty properties have been a “thorn in the side” for a lot of people.

Cllr Brian Cameron, Whitegate ward, said the proposals were “long overdue” and that long-term empty properties had a significant impact on those who live nearby.

He said: “I first got involved with a property in my ward shortly after I was elected in 2012. To say it was a disgrace is an understatement.

“I had meetings at the property with both officers and the lead member for housing and they know what I am talking about.

“The problem from the word go has been the lack of engagement.

“For me the most important people in all of this are the residents who live either side in this area. They are also being unengaged and I don’t think it’s fair.

“I hope this goes a long way to not only bringing it back into use but to help residents and neighbours to have a better life in where they live.”

Cllr Pritchard said: “We have said we will engage and work with them. The frankness is if they don’t work with us, they will end up court and we will go through the compulsory purchase.

“It is a very thought out policy and I hope we never have to go through the courts, but something tells me we will with some property owners.”

Cllr Marc Jones, Grosvenor ward, made reference to the Printworks in Rhosddu which has sat vacant for 16 years.

He questioned whether there is the capacity and resources within the council to tackle the issue – adding that there is currently just one officer available to contact landlords and deal with empty properties.

However Cllr Pritchard made reference to the report and highlighted that an “an officer led Empty Property Enforcement Group” would be established to “consider and agree the appropriate course of action”.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, who has spoken out in the past about ‘unsightly’ buildings, has also welcomed the council’s plans

Mr Lucas has visited empty properties across Wrexham and spoken to those living close to them about their concerns.

He said: “It is all too clear that in Wrexham there are far too many unoccupied buildings, many of which are unsightly for residents and have stood empty for years. I have a great deal of sympathy for anyone living near one of these properties.

“Problems arise when owners are not willing to work with the local authority and make use of the various loan schemes available which would improve their properties.”

Mr Lucas, who first raised the issue with Wrexham Council several years ago, added: “I am pleased that, at long last, progress is being made.

“I know there have been historic problems over enforcement but I hope this will no longer be an issue under these new plans.

“Wrexham has an abundance of old buildings, many of which have excellent potential. The aim should be to put them to good use. If landlords will not co-operate, then they should be forced to do so.”