THERE are calls to raise the standard of council houses after spot checks on Preston's local authority estates.

Members of Preston's Labour Party visited some of the town's housing estates to check work being carried out on empty properties to see if improvements could be made.

Following the inspections, the councillors are now demanding a higher standard of work to ensure Preston's rented homes are first class - to coincide with new figures which revealed demand for council properties was at an all-time low.

Coun Elaine Abbott, works committee chairman, said: "I have seen unoccupied properties with my own eyes.

"I believe we can provide a better service for new tenants.

"I have confronted staff from the works and housing department with the evidence, good and bad."

Coun Ken Cole, housing committee chairman, said: "We have to offer a better service. "We are pushing for a better standard of service in refurbishing empty houses under our 'best value' scheme.

"It is not just about filling empty properties. People have a right to decent home in a decent environment."

The protest by the councillors comes just a week after it was revealed 2,500 houses in Preston are empty.

Campaigners have called for vacant properties to be used before Preston's urban sprawl is expanded further.

Coun Pat Woods added: "We need to pushing for changes in the way empty homes are prepared.

"New and potential tenants are much more likely to be attracted to a home which is fault-free."

Coun Carl Crompton said: "We will be keeping a close eye on how void properties are prepared to ensure high standards.

"We will continue to push for a change in practises."

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