PEOPLE in Stroud who own empty homes are being encouraged to apply for an interest-free loan of up to £15,000 to help them bring them back into use for affordable rented housing.

Stroud District Council is marking national `empty homes week’ by inviting the owners of any property that has been empty for over 12 months to apply for the loan.

The aim of the initiative is to reduce the number of empty houses in the district.

With over 2,300 households on the waiting list for social housing in Gloucestershire, the council is keen to increase the number of affordable homes in the district.

Simon Pickering, chair of the council’s environment committee said: “Empty homes brought back into use can provide homes for people who really need them as well as contributing to the housing supply to meet local need, prevent neighbourhood decline and regenerate areas.

“This initiative couldn’t come at a better time as empty homes are high on everyone’s agenda.”

Empty Homes Week lasts from Monday, November 28 to Friday December 2.

Owners of empty properties can contact the council’s housing renewal team on 01453 754478 or email environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk

If you would like to find out more about National Empty Homes Week, please visit www.emptyhomes.com/