WYCHAVON residents are being urged to report empty and neglected homes.

The district council is asking people to help identify some of the nearly 2,500 homes that are currently unused.

This effort is part of the council's backing for National Empty Homes Week, an initiative aimed at increasing the availability of housing in the district.

Unoccupied houses can lead to problems for nearby residents, including vermin, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour, and potentially even burglary, as well as lowering the value of neighbouring properties, said the council.

The council is offering free advice and guidance to those who own empty properties and is encouraging them to consider renting or selling.

Councillor Rick Deller, executive board member for housing, regulatory, and customer services, said: "Across the country, the lack of affordable housing has put significant pressure on local authorities, and Wychavon is no exception."

He added: "The council's housing team works extremely hard to help those in need, but demand consistently outweighs supply."

The council recently assisted with the sale and renovation of a home that had been empty for 14 years, after its deteriorating condition began affecting neighbouring properties.