Costs of maintaining a row of derelict houses have run into tens of thousands of pounds, the Gazette can reveal.

Heavy price - the row of derelict houses in Brook Street have cost taxpayers £600-a-week since coming under Colchester Council control (36881-1)

Colchester Council has forked out about £600-per-week of taxpayers' money since it assumed control of the shabby homes in Brook Street - just to keep them standing empty.

The properties are eventually due to be demolished as part of plans for a major housing development at the rear of the site.

But while negotiations continue over the deal, they have become a target for arsonists and squatters.

Questioned about the situation at Wednesday night's council meeting, Nigel Chapman, portfolio-holder for housing and community safety, admitted £14,000 had gone on maintenance following fires and legal costs of evictions.

Published Friday, December 17, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette