Derelict house to be renovated as affordable home

A community organisation has bought a derelict property that it hopes to renovate and rent out as an affordable family home.

The house in North Yorkshire has been empty for 12 years and the Knaresborough Community Land Trust has asked local people to donate their DIY skills to the project.

Once completed, the terraced house on Heathfield Drive will be let to tenants at below the market rate for the town.

The Land Trust said that around £70,000 would be needed for repair work and it has launched a "Sponsor a Brick" fundraising campaign.

Christine Willoughby, a director at the volunteer-run organisation, said she hoped it would be the first of many properties in Knaresborough that could be purchased and let out at affordable rates.

"If we can get people from our local community to give us volunteer hours, and get local tradespeople to come and work with us at friendly rates, this is a really fantastic opportunity for Knaresborough, for people to come forward and say we want to help people live in our lovely town."

Once the refurbishment is complete, a board of members will decide which family to award the £800 monthly tenancy to.

Anyone can join the not-for-profit organisation, which aims to deliver housing and community facilities and act as the buildings' long-term stewards to ensure rents remain within the reach of local workers.

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