Costs of maintaining a row of derelict houses have run into tens of thousands of pounds, the Gazette can reveal.
Heavy price - the row of derelict houses in Brook Street have cost taxpayers £600-a-week since coming under Colchester Council control (36881-1)
Colchester Council has forked out about £600-per-week of taxpayers' money since it assumed control of the shabby homes in Brook Street - just to keep them standing empty.
The properties are eventually due to be demolished as part of plans for a major housing development at the rear of the site.
But while negotiations continue over the deal, they have become a target for arsonists and squatters.
Questioned about the situation at Wednesday night's council meeting, Nigel Chapman, portfolio-holder for housing and community safety, admitted £14,000 had gone on maintenance following fires and legal costs of evictions.
Published Friday, December 17, 2004
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