A DETACHED house in Clacton has been snapped up by Tendring Council for a bargain £35,000.

The property, in Berkeley Road, could have attracted bids closer to £150,000 if it was sold on the open market.

However, because the property was in a poor condition and the owner could not be contacted to repair it, Tendring Council applied for a compulsory purchase order.

The authority will turn the property into council houses.

Paul Honeywood, councillor responsible for housing, said: “We can get the work carried out to make this a family home for someone who desperately needs it.

“It will also bring an end to the issues residents have faced over this site being empty and attracting antisocial behaviour.

“I am looking forward to the day when a local family takes the keys and moves in.”

The house has been vacant for 13 years.

It was used by squatters three years ago, rubbish is piled up in the garden and there have been several fires reported, forcing the council to step in and make the property secure.

The council has not handed over any cash yet because it still cannot get hold of the owner. The owner has six years to contact the council and prove it is their property to claim the cash – otherwise no fee will be required.

A detached house on the road is estimated to be worth more than £150,000.

Compulsory purchase orders allow local and central government bodies to obtain land or property without the consent of the owner.

It can be enforced if a development is considered to be in the public’s benefit.

It is more commonly used when building roads or railways where a land owner does not want to sell.