A COUNCIL has started the legal process to buy an empty end terrace three-bedroomed house on the edge of a town centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley has authorised the launch of a compulsory purchase order for 1 Palmer Road in Shear Brow.

An officer's report said: “The property has been empty since the owners bought it in August 2011 and is evidencing signs of serious disrepair.

“This pre-1919 end-terraced property is situated in the Shear Brow and Corporation Park ward and is set in a very steep row of two storey terraced houses built of brick with pitched slate roofs. This particular property stands at the bottom of the row, has been rendered and has a pebble-dash coating to the front elevation.

“The surrounding area comprises housing of a similar age and size that is in high demand.

“It is anticipated that the property comprises two living rooms and a kitchen on the ground floor, with three bedrooms and a bathroom at the first floor level.

“A dormer window can be seen at the rear of the property which will provide a fourth bedroom in the attic.

“The property stands obviously empty with a large amount of mail visible in the hallway indicating that nobody has entered the property through the front door for many years.

“It is recommended that approval to move to CPO is given to ensure that this property is satisfactorily refurbished and brought back into use in a timely manner.”