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Terraced house no one has lived in for 21 years where ‘you can hear rats’

Lottie Casas March 17, 2020

This eerie terraced house has stood empty for more than 21 years.

But the council is finally now taking legal action to buy the property, reports Stoke-on-Trent Live.

Neighbours welcomed Stoke-on-Trent City Council's decision to seek a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

Rachael Rowe, 39 and who lives next door, said: "There are rats. You hear the rats at night, scratching. It's horrible.

"My landlord wants to buy the house off the council, so they'll definitely be good tenants who move in."


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The property has been vacant since 1999 but somehow only came to the attention of the council's empty homes team in 2007.

Neighbour Kimberley Ward, 27, said: "At least the house will get some use now.

"I'd like to see a family in there."


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It is understood Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which has had no overall political control since 2015, will sell the property at auction once the CPO has been finalised.

The press has been unable to contact the property owner.

Councillor Randy Conteh, cabinet member for communities, said: “The property – 146 Normacot Road – has been empty for 21 years. It was first reported to the empty homes team in 2007 and since then officers have regularly tried to work with the owner to help bring the property back into use.

“Unfortunately despite help and advice being provided to the owner, the property remains empty and is now deteriorating, which is having a negative impact on the area and the local residents.

“We requested authority from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to compulsory purchase this property to help meet the housing demand within the city and to prevent the property from causing any further problems to local residents.

"The order has been confirmed and we are now going through the legal process to take over the property.” 

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