<\/p>\n
South Staffordshire Council writes:<\/p>\n
The owner of the property in Hall Lane, Great Wyrley, died in 2006. Despite best efforts, legal heirs to the house could not be traced.<\/p>\n
As a result, the house fell into disrepair and led to a number of complaints from residents about the property\u2019s neglected state.<\/p>\n
Concerns raised included overgrown gardens with weeds growing to more than six feet, rodents, unstable fencing, and more \u2013 with a range of safety issues having to be tackled by South Staffordshire Council and therefore funded by taxpayers\u2019 money.<\/p>\n
A court order was obtained by the council due to a large sum of unpaid council tax being owed.<\/p>\n
This enabled the council to sell the property; recouping the outstanding council tax sum and the money spent on emergency repairs.<\/p>\n
As a result, funds totalling \u00a321,157.89 were recovered and put back into the public purse.<\/p>\n
The sale also means there is now the opportunity for the property to be renovated and provide a much-needed family home in Great Wyrley.<\/p>\n
Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Victoria Wilson said: \u201cThe council is always keen to bring empty properties back into use.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this case, council taxpayers\u2019 money was spent in keeping it in a safe condition – and the sale of the property has meant we have been able to recover these costs and outstanding council tax debts.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very good news that after such a long time, the empty property will once again be used for its intended purpose – and that neighbours will no longer have to look at an unsightly house and garden.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two-bedroom end-terraced house was purchased by a third party at an auction earlier this month for the sum of \u00a3120,000.<\/p>\n