12:00pm Wednesday 20th August 2008
AN inquiry is to be launched into problems with empty homes and shops in a borough.
Lewisham Council's sustainable development scrutiny committee claims empty shops can damage communities, encouraging anti-social behaviour and pests.
The inquiry's first session on September 2 will focus on current practice within the borough, while the second, on October 7, will hear from expert external witnesses.
A report will be produced making recommendations to the Mayor of Lewisham on how he could tackle the problem more effectively.
The committee has invited societies and residents to point out problem properties in their areas and to report on how the council has tackled them.
To contribute an example of how problem properties have been dealt with by the council, or the impact those properties have made on your neighbourhood email joel.hartfield@lewisham.gov.uk
Alternatively, write to Joel Hartfield, Overview and Scrutiny, London Borough of Lewisham, 2nd Floor Civic Suite, London SE6 4RU.
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