An Addiscombe house, which has been neglected and vacant since 1997, is about to be bought by the council under new compulsary purchase powers.

Residents that surround the Highbarrow Road house have long complained to the council that the house was an eyesore, but despite attempts, the council failed to contact the owners.

Neighbours complained about the general condition of the dilapidated property, which was attracting vermin to the neighbourhood.

Now, the council plans to make a compulsory purchase order and resell the property in the private sector.

The three-bedroom 1930s terraced house, which would need new windows and a complete overhaul, is worth about £190,000. Conditions of sale would be imposed to ensure the property is repaired and occupied.

About 4,000 of the borough's 130,000 private dwellings are lying empty, yet 1,000 families present themselves as homeless each year. The council has the power to issue compulsory purchase orders but only as a last resort, after an owner has been given every opportunity to carry out improvements.

To report an abandoned property or for more information about help that is available contact Jacqueline Humphrey, Croydon's empty property manager on 020 8760 5470.