The Empty Homes Strategy has been drawn up by Castle Morpeth Council to crack down on the nuisance of long-term vacant properties, which can become a magnet for vandalism and fly-tipping.

A number of measures have been set out to try to bring properties back into use, which could then help to ease the pressure of housing demand.

Consultation has taken place on the proposals, which include raising awareness of problems, developing a database of properties, advising landlords, issuing Management Orders or moving to compulsory purchase.

And when the plans were taken back to the Borough's Scrutiny Committee members gave their support.

Coun Milburn Douglas said: "I'm pleased to hear that the Council is going forward with this."

Borough Neighbourhood Services Manager Martin Laidler said that while the Council will be shut down in April, the work will be taken on by Northumberland's new unitary authority.

"In the remaining months of the Council we are hopeful that we can get on and implement this, but it will be taken on by the new authority. It will inform its approach so it has not been a waste of time by any means," he said.

And Coun Michael Jeans added: "If the new authority can pick this up I think it will be a tremendous strategy for it."

Council Tax figures from April showed there were 324 properties in Castle Morpeth that had been vacant for more than six months.

The strategy will now go to the Borough's Executive Board for consideration.