AN apartment block that has stood empty for more than 15 years is to be bought by the council and used to house homeless people.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is to start the process of purchasing Vernon Street Flats in Darwen, which can then be used to get rough sleepers off the streets.

Regeneration boss Councillor Quesir Mahmood has authorised officials to begin negotiations with the owner, using cash from the borough's Neighbourhood Intervention Fund.

In a report to council colleagues, he says they would be ideal to provide move-on accommodation for individuals who had been homeless or at risk of being made homeless.

Cllr Mahmood revealed the flats had been subject to anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping in recent times.

Darwen East ward Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Browne said: "This is a good idea, I am in favour of bringing these flats back into use.

"However the council need to be aware some homeless people prefer to live on the street.

"You cannot force them into flats so it will have to be done properly."

Cllr Mahmood's report says: "The flats, known as 28 to 44 Vernon Street, Darwen comprise of six one-bed flats and three two-bed flats.

"The building is situated in the Darwen East ward, just off Sudellside Street.

"It originally formed part of the council-owned Ellenshaw Housing Estate, much of which has since been demolished by Together Housing and replaced with new-build family homes.

"The building has been the subject of recent complaints from local residents and ward councillors in relation to anti-social behaviour by youths congregating at the property, fly-tipping in the yard, the general condition of the building and the fact it continues to remain empty.

"The building has been vacant for more than 15 years.

"Substantial efforts have been made to contact the owners to encourage them to bring the property back into use and discussions have been underway since September 2018.

"The owners have no plans to refurbish the property for occupation.

"They were made aware of the council’s enforcement action policy and potential Compulsory Purchase Order action that was being considered, and in 2021 they contacted the council to offer the property for sale by agreement.

"The council’s housing needs team identified a need to provide move-on accommodation for individuals who had been homeless or at risk of being made homeless.

"The team felt that the location and property size provided an opportunity for the council to provide a scheme to meet this statutory need in the borough."