THE council could seize Tesco’s vacant, run-down houses in St Albans city centre if the supermarket giant does not clean up its act, the Review can reveal.

St Albans District Council leader Robert Donald has instructed council officers to impose an “Empty Dwelling Management Order” on Tesco.

It means the council could take over the running of the boarded-up properties in London Road unless the company makes progress in letting them out.

Councillor Donald issued the order after Tesco failed to let two of the properties by the end of August as agreed.

The supermarket chain, which had plans for a superstore on the site refused in June, has left the houses empty for years.

Councillor Donald said: “I am very concerned about the situation because these properties have been empty for years and allowed to deteriorate.

“Tesco has broken its promise with me and is not upholding its responsibility to rent these.

“If it fails to keep to its agreement then we will take over the properties.”

If no agreement has been reached over the houses within a reasonable amount of time, the council can give notice that it will take over and let the properties.

They will, however, still be owned by Tesco.

Tesco has promised to submit a planning application to revamp the site in the long-term.