More than 100 empty homes have been brought back to life over the past four years thanks to a Cornwall Council scheme which has loaned more than £2 million to property owners.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes Andrew Mitchell said: “One of our cabinet priorities is to help tackle the housing shortage by bringing empty properties back into use. This National Empty Homes Week, we want those people who may own an empty property to know about the help that is on offer from the council so that we can assist them and ultimately provide a home.”

Cornwall Council’s empty homes team works with owners of long term empty properties to offer a range of advice and assistance, including a loan scheme, and has been focusing on properties which, for a variety of reasons, have been empty for a sometime.

Mike bought two neighbouring empty properties in Penzance which had been empty for over two years with the plan to create three properties. He completed the work with the help of the council’s empty property loan scheme.

He said: “I contacted the council’s empty homes team looking for lending support with my small development project. I had purchased an empty flat and a neighbouring neglected grade two listed building and used the empty homes loan to part fund the project. The empty home loan is a superb and innovative idea targeting funds where they are most needed to help owners regenerate dilapidated housing stock.”

Mr Mitchell, added: "I encourage empty property owners to contact us so that we can assist wherever possible. There can be many obstacles to overcome in bringing empty properties back into use, particularly when they are in serious disrepair, but we can often provide a tailored package of assistance and advice.”

To find out about the loan or other assistance call 01726 223600, email emptyhomes@cornwall.gov.uk or go to cornwall.gov.uk/emptyproperties.