An audit will be held to find the exact number of privately owned empty houses in the district.

The district council has set up the audit in an attempt to deal with the shortage of houses in the area.

Council tax records show that there are about 350 privately-owned homes across the district.

The council appointed an empty homes officer to deal with the problem earlier in the year.

Councillor Brian Ellis, portfolio holder for housing at the council, said: “Our empty homes officer is working with owners of properties that have been empty for some time, or are in disrepair, to bring them back into use.

“This is a lengthy but worthwhile process that will result in more homes being made available for people to occupy.”

Once the audit has been completed the officer will attempt to contact owners to encourage them to make them available for use.