A vacant Eltham house which stood derelict for around 20 years has finally been sold on and redeveloped.

Greenwich Council said they received constant complaints about the state of the Spencer Gardens property and had tried many times to persuade its owner to sell up.

Eventually, the council threatened a compulsory order, leading the home’s owner to finally sell it.

A developer has now restored it to modern standards while the original owner has moved to sheltered accommodation.

Greenwich Council cabinet member for housing Councillor Chris Kirby said the council now wanted to find out about other homes in a similar state.

He said: “Where properties have been neglected over a long period of time we will consider taking action to bring about their improvement to get them back into use.”

To report a long-term empty property in Greenwich borough, contact the Disability and Home Improvement team on 020 8921 2862 or email emptyhomes@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

 Information on loans and grants may be available for owners of empty properties can be found at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/emptyproperties