ALMOST 100 homes lie empty in Burnham, Highbridge, Brean and Berrow while more than 500 households are currently waiting for a home - all because landlords are being put off by the hassle of renting out their properties.

Sedgemoor District Council's affordable housing project officer, Mary Chorley, said property owners are letting their assets go to waste because of a misconception over the drawbacks to renting out homes.

She told the Weekly News: "There is the fear of the unknown for a great deal of landlords - many think there is too much hassle and lots of paperwork involved in renting.

"However if they realised housing associations can do all the hard work for them hundreds of homes could be freed up for people who need them."

In a bid to combat the plight, the authority is working with homeowners, landlords, housing associations and communities to bring the neglected homes back into use.

Mary went on: "We can provide guidance and support to property owners, with up-to-date information and advice on letting and other options available.

"The options that may be available are discretionary council grants, rent deposit guarantee schemes, and letting the property through a housing association, to name a few."

Now the council is also looking into setting up a steering group to develop a flexible strategy designed to combat concerns, promote issues around empty properties and raise awareness.

"We, as a council, believe that having an effective solution to bringing empty homes back into use and also reducing the incidences of property being empty will benefit the residents of Burnham, Highbridge and surrounding areas.

"It can provide a useful source of affordable housing, significantly improve the appearance of the community, improve the value of surrounding properties, reduce the need to build new homes on Greenfield sites, and lower the risk of squatting and vandalism," Mary added.

A homes discussion forum will take place on Friday (February 22) at Bridgwater House in King's Square to discuss how landlords can restore empty properties back to use.

For more information contact Mary Chorley on 01278-435556 or email mary.chorley@sedgemoor.gov.uk.