LONG-term abandoned homes are rising in number in Hounslow with neighbours complaining they are unable to sell properties next to the 'eyesores'.

Hounslow has 508 houses that have been empty for more than six months, a 42% increase from 359 properties in 2008, and often these become hotbeds for vermin, tramps and fly tipping.

According to figures from housing charity Empty Homes there are 1,601 empty dwellings in total in Hounslow.

Steve Bowman of Brook Road South, Brentford, said: "A house on this road has been empty for over five years, it belonged to an old man who died. People used to visit it late at night and we were always worried about vermin and tramps. It looks like a squat. The woman, who lives on the other side, tried to sell her house but gave up."

Mr Bowman took a petition to Hounslow Council last November, but he said so far nothing has been done.

Councillor Steve Curran, Cabinet Member for Education and Housing, said: "Empty properties are a blight on our communities, often an eyesore and can adversely affect the neighbourhood."

Talking about a new initiative, he said if there was not a valid reason for a property being empty, the council will be able to force the owner to bring it back into use through various means, including making a compulsory purchase order.

He added: “We know local people think this is an important issue, which is why we aim to bring up to 250 empty properties back into use by 2016.”

A spokesman from Hounslow Council said an increase in empty homes is seen when the housing market is uncertain, as sellers want to hold on to properties until they can get the best possible price.

Should tax payer money be used to compulsory purchase empty homes and bring them back into use? Post your thoughts on the Chronicle's Brentford community site .