An Eynesbury councillor has launched a campaign to turn a derelict eyesore into affordable accommodation.

Although a developer did start to convert the property into four self-contained flats, Elm Lodge, pictured, in Potton Road has stood empty for about 20 years.

Huntingdonshire district councillor Steve Van De Kerkhove now wants to see it brought into use as low cost accommodation, particularly for an emergency bed- and-breakfast or social housing.

He told The Hunts Post: “It’s been in a pretty run down state ever since I can remember and we have the power as a district council to compulsorily purchase property which has been left to go to rack and ruin.

“It’s the ideal place to bring back to standard and have some use.

“I’m still waiting for a proper response but I think it’s an opportunity for the district to actually show some action and some intent to get something done.

“At the moment, St Neots does seem to be the poor cousin to Huntingdon, particularly when you taken into account things like the Old Falcon.”

A spokesman for HDC said: “Cllr Jonathan Gray responded in the meeting [when the issue was raised by Cllr Van De Kerkhove] by saying that he felt that purchasing properties and bringing them back into use for things such as homeless or B&B accommodation was ‘laudable’ and that he would pass on the suggestion to the assistant director to consider.”

INFORMATION: Vote in our poll on www.huntspost24.co.uk to give your views about what should be done with Elm Lodge.