AN extra £2.8 million is to be invested in refurbishing empty homes across Burnley.

After two successful pilot schemes to date, the Calico Homes board has approved the additional investment in collaboration with Burnley Council and supported by Homes England.

Bosses say the scheme will help the team turn long-term empty properties into much needed homes.

More than 30 houses will be refurbished in 2019/20 in an area where the council says poor condition of the properties is detracting from the desirability of other buildings in the neighbourhood and are at risk of attracting anti-social behaviour if left in disrepair.

The intention is the scheme will also create local job and apprenticeship opportunities with Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction.

Lisa Bell, Calico Homes development manager, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to bring back to life an area where properties are currently being neglected whilst creating job opportunities for the local community. Calico Homes, Burnley Borough Council and Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction want to work with landlords and existing residents to make the scheme successful.”

Based on the current data, the borough has 477 properties that have been empty for more than 2 years.

Of the 477 properties that have remained empty over two years, 129 have remained empty for more than five years, with a further 62 empty for more than 10 years.