'Dystopian' former police homes to go on sale

Hexham's mayor Derek Kennedy described the properties as "idle and decaying"

Former police houses in a Northumberland town which have fallen into a "dystopian" state of disrepair are to be sold off.

The 15 properties in Hexham were built 100 years ago to house police officers but have stood empty for a number of years.

Mayor Derek Kennedy had been calling for action following complaints from residents.

He described the sale announcement by Susan Dungworth, Northumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) as "an important step forward".

About seven years ago rental tenants were given notice to leave as the former PCC wanted to sell them off to give a financial contribution to the force.

However, Mr Kennedy said "nothing came to realisation" and the houses were left "idle and decaying".

Investment in policing

He said: "Residents have been complaining about the state of them.

"They've got windows boarded up, doors hanging off, and ivy growing up to the roof.

"It's quite dystopian on a small estate in an affluent area."

He added: "It's also frustrating these aren't available to the people of Hexham.

A spokesperson for the PCC said she had decided the properties were "surplus to requirements" and the money from their sale should be used for "investment in policing."

Mr Kennedy added: "It would be good it they could be used for some form of social housing, but we shall wait and see.

"It's obviously an important step forward."