THE number of homes in Taunton Deane that have been empty for six months or more has dropped by 15 per cent in the past three years, according to council figures.

Measures taken by Taunton Deane Borough Council have seen the total of long-term empty homes drop from 464 three years ago to 388 today - a decrease of 68.

While the authority offers "encouragement and support" to the owners of empty homes, it can also use enforcement action where the property is having a negative impact on an area.

As well as being viewed as a wasted source of housing, homes that fall into disrepair can reduce the value of neighbouring properties, attract vermin, become unsafe or attract anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Terry Beale, executive councillor for housing services, said: "The council is committed to tackling the number of empty homes in the borough and we are pleased to have seen a significant reduction in empty properties as a result of these efforts.

"Bringing empty homes back into use makes great sense as it not only increases their value and improves the area but allows the council to access funding as well."

The council has had a dedicated empty homes co-ordinator since July 2015 and has unlocked funding from the Government's new homes bonus scheme to help tackle the problem.

If you own an empty home, you can obtain information, advice and guidance from the council via www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/council-tax/empty-homes, call empty homes co-ordinator Steven Perry on 01823 356430, or email S.Perry@tauntondeane.gov.uk.

The Deane is in a partnership with Sedgemoor District Council and West Somerset Council called Somerset West Private Sector Housing Partnership (SWPSHP) to work with the owners of empty properties to bring them back into use.

The group works with key stakeholders such as its preferred loan provider, Wessex Home Improvement Loans, Somerset Care and Repair, which is a charitable, not-for-profit home improvement agency, estate agents, managing and letting agents, solicitors, developers and auctioneers.