A LANDLORD says vandals are devaluing his property and he has accused St Helens Council of leaving him "in limbo".

Anthony Stanaway, who owns a block of flats in Concourse Way, Parr, claims that he and other landlords were told at a meeting at St Helens Town Hall that grants would be available to refurbish their properties.

But now he fears the council are delaying a decision in order to drive down the price should the property be made the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order.

Mr Stanaway told the Star: "As the flats became empty I stripped them down and boarded them up, ready to renovate.

"Now though it looks like the council is going for a Compulsory Purchase Order to knock them down, but they are still charging me rates. "How can I take in tenants knowing the flats are going to be demolished? I've been left in limbo".

Since the flats became empty Mr Stanaway says he has been plagued by vandals and he claims the police are powerless to stop them because of a lack of manpower.

And he added: "When the Compulsory Purchase Order comes through the council will turn round and say the properties are worthless and make me a low offer. I'm losing money hand over fist".

However, a spokesperson for St Helens Council said: "Our officers are currently looking at the best course of action for these flats, whether they should be demolished by way of a Compulsory Purchase Order or improved by way of a grant.

"A decision is being made and Mr Stanaway is aware of this. "It was Mr Stanaway's decision to board up the flats and at no time at all has he been promised that he would receive a grant to do up these premises".