AN “eyesore” property on a York housing estate is attracting vandals after being left empty for years, according to residents.

The house, at 9, Bradley Drive, in Foxwood, is privately owned but has stood empty, its windows and doors boarded up, for more than 12 years.

Nearby resident Michael Ward has called on City of York Council to act now to prevent increasing antisocial behaviour taking place at the house.

In a letter to The Press, he said he had lived in Foxwood for 12 years and during that time the house had remained empty.

Mr Ward said: “Because it is empty, it has become an eyesore for local residents and a target for vandals and flytippers. I know from talking to local people that many residents of Foxwood, including the Residents’ Association, have contacted City of York Council about the property and we just seem to get fobbed off.”

Mr Ward said letters had also been written to local politicians and council members but no progress had been made on bringing the home back into use.

Tom Brittain, City of York Council’s head of housing, said: “York has very few empty homes in comparison to many other cities, but to help us maximise housing opportunities, last year we were granted new resources which have allowed us to engage with the owner of this property and offer support with assessing the available options.”

Other new council rules which come into force on April 1 mean any unfurnished house which remains empty for more than two years can be charged full council tax plus an extra 50 per cent.

Previously owners of empty properties would have only been charged 50 per cent.