A DERELICT house has become the first to be taken over by Southend Council so it can be put back into use.

Squatters and vandals had moved into the home in Wenham Drive, Westcliff, after it was abandoned more than ten years ago.

The council took the owner to court and it has became the first authority in the east of England to successfully obtain an Interim Empty Dwelling Management Order.

When council officers went into the home, they found piles of newspaper more than a metre high.

Anna Waite, councillor responsible for housing, said: “This is the first time we have brought a long-term empty home back into use to provide a vital family home.

“It is a very important step and we hope it will be the first of many similar success stories.”

Under the Housing Act 2004, the property still belongs to the owner, but it is managed by the council.

The Act gives councils the power to track down the owners of neglected properties, write to them and point out the advantages of refurbishing and selling on the houses.

However, if nothing is done within six months, local authorities can take homeowners to court if they fail to fix properties.

Southend Council is currently looking at about 100 homes which have been reported as unkempt.

The issues range from untidy gardens to complex situations over empty properties involving wills and probate.