EMPTY and derelict houses in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham are set to be transformed into family homes and affordable housing, according to the Mayor of London.

Mayor Boris Johnson says 133 abandoned, derelict and unused homes in south-east London, part of 1,700 across the capital, are to be renovated and made habitable again.

The move is part of the Tory mayor’s London Housing Strategy which aims to deliver 50,000 affordable homes in the city before the 2012 Olympics.

Mr Johnson says £39.9m of a potential £60m has been released to London boroughs, including Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham, to help eventually bring at least 3,000 empty properties back to life.

He said: ““Empty homes are not only a waste of resources but also a travesty for the communities in the south-east region of London.

“They devalue neighbouring properties and for the people living near them they act as a magnet for crime.

“With so many people, particularly families, in need of a place to live it is absolutely unacceptable for potentially decent homes to stand empty.

Mr Johnson also hopes to turn some listed buildings into “much-needed” affordable homes.

“Plans are already well under-foot to transform the quality and quantity of affordable housing in the capital and we are determined to make it easier for everyone to get the home they need," Mr Johnson explained.

“I am in no doubt that these 133 resurrected buildings will not only help to change the lives of local residents by providing them a home, but will also transform the communities they formerly blighted.”