Next week, Dumfries and Galloway Council will be asked to agree to plans to tackle the issue of empty housing in the region.

If Councillors do agree, the local authority has said it will proactively target properties or sites, which are either in a serious state of disrepair, are derelict, or are causing serious blight.

After addressing the negative impact of the building or site, a positive engagement with property or land owners will be made to try and identify solutions and investment to make the necessary improvements.

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Also next week, members will decide whether to resource the proposals, as there are no dedicated staff to deal with the issue.

Addressing derelict properties and sites can be complex and time consuming, and requires cooperation from across the Council's services, such as legal, property and planning. However, this new approach would mean an initial, single point of contact for the public.

Councillor Colin Smyth, Chairman of the Economy and Environment and Infrastructure Committee, explained: "There is a real desire from Councillors for a more proactive approach to dealing with the derelict properties that too often plague our communities.

"We need to get much tougher with the owners of derelict property, as the primary responsibility for the condition of these buildings rests with them.

"This new approach will mean a new mechanism for dealing with problem owners which includes using the full force of the law when required."

(JP/CD)