THE owners of rundown empty houses that have become a magnet for anti-social behaviour will be targeted in a new crackdown by Hyndburn Council.

There are hundreds of vacant properties in the borough, many in a dilapidated state, and are said to be blighting the lives of nearby residents who have to put up with fly-tipping, arson and vandalism.

But the council has vowed to bring them back into use and warned owners they will use enforcement action if necessary.

Coun Ann Scaife, cabinet member for environmental issues, said: "Living in close proximity to an abandoned property is very often a miserable experience as residents can witness a downward spiral of neglect.

"It can start with vandalism, fire-starting, drug use and fly-tipping, as well as falling property values in the area. We want to clamp down on the owners of these properties, to improve the quality of life for other residents, so we are working hard to bring abandoned properties back into use.

"And we will call upon a number of enforcement measures to achieve this."

Coun Scaife added: "We are keen to hear from residents having problems associated with abandoned properties, particularly in streets that are otherwise fully occupied"

Even one empty terraced property in an fully occupied block can blight a street, as shown in High Street, Rishton, in a house became rundown after years of neglect.

After enforcement action by the council the property was bought by a new owner who has since renovated it.

Residents who want to report details of abandoned properties should contact Ian Halliday, environmental health officer, on 01254 380615, send an e-mail on ian.halliday@hyndburnbc.gov.uk or visit the council's Cannon Street offices.