A FILTHY and dilapidated house has been completely transformed after Southend Council used new powers to step in act against the owner.

The house, in North Avenue, Southchurch, had been left empty for six years and was in such a poor state, with damp in the walls affecting neighbouring homes.

Complaints from neighbours prompted housing officials to get involved, with the council the first in the country to issue an Empty Dwelling Management Order.

A warrant gave officials access to the house, at which point, they took a shocking series of pictures.

The photos show rubbish-strewn floors, discarded clothes, a bath full of rubbish bags, and a gaping hole in the front room ceiling, where floorboards above had been rotted through by rainwater.

The council also found evidence copper piping and electrical cables had been stripped out and stolen.

With the owner refusing to do anything, the council spent £12,000 on repairs, and used powers to give the owner the bill.

Because the owner was in debt the council was one of his creditors – officials then effectively bankrupted him, allowing a receiver employed by the courts to sell the property.

It recently sold at auction for £148,000.

David Norman, Labour councillor responsible for housing, said: “Long-term empty properties are a source of complaint and concern.

“They increase the perception of antisocial behaviour and can often blight an area and devalue neighbouring properties, “At a time when more and more people are finding it hard to find local housing, it is vital the council does all it can to address this issue.”

Mr Norman stressed such action was only taken “as a last resort”, adding: “Southend was the first and, to date, remains the only council to use Empty Dwelling Management Orders under the Housing Act.”

Having had the structure made secure by the council, the new owner of the house has totally refurbished it.