EMPTY homes across the borough will be put back into use thanks to a £350,000 boost to a council scheme.

Wigan Council’s Empty Homes Improvement Loan Scheme means property owners can apply for an interest free loan, funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, to pay for renovation work needed to bring their property up to a rentable standard.

The scheme allows owners of properties that have been empty for more than 12 months to renovate their property and in return Wigan Council will lease it for up to five years and use the rent to repay the loan.

Clr Paul Kenny, Wigan Council cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a win-win situation for everyone concerned.

“The property owner will get their property improved and back into use while the council will have access to additional affordable housing.

“I urge anyone interested in the scheme to contact us straight away, as the funding is limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.”

Figures released in October revealed there were 1,733 long-term empty homes in the borough.

The council can provide advice and assistance to the owners of empty homes to help bring them back into use.

For further information, visit www.wigan.gov.uk/emptyhomes or contact Wigan Council’s Housing Services Section on 01942 489220 or email housingservices@wigan.gov.uk.