THE number of empty homes in West Somerset has remained low, in line with an overall decrease nationwide, according to latest figures from the Empty Homes Agency.

The agency, a campaigning charity, has released analysis suggesting that just under 10,000 properties across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall stood empty in October 2013.

There are 211 empty homes in West Somerset, an increase of two on the previous year.

A spokesperson from West Somerset Council said: “In order to combat the issue of empty properties, the council is continuing to target properties which have been empty for six months or more and providing advice to the owner.

“It is also exploring enforcement options where the property has been empty for years and is causing a nuisance to neighbours, working in partnership with the owner to sell the property and developing a site when the property is demolished and a new house built.”