THERE are more than 1,000 privately owned houses in Newport which have been empty for more than six months, new figures reveal.

The number is on the rise, and with 72 of these unoccupied for more than ten years, South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle has called for more to be done to bring them back into use.

Mr Whittle is a former housing manager who worked in the city, and said the situation is “appalling” at a time when many people are desperate for homes.

Figures obtained by his party, Plaid Cymru, show that the number of private properties empty in the city rose from 1,078 in 2009/10 to 1,118 in 2011/2012.

The situation is currently being addressed, with Welsh Government Housing Minister Huw Lewis saying that 47 privately owned properties in Newport were brought back into use over the last year.

Newport City Council is also monitoring 277 houses that have been empty for at least two years, and worked with Fairlake Properties to purchase and refurbish seven empty houses using Welsh Government and council grants.

These will all be let out in the next few months as social housing.

Mr Whittle said: “People are desperate for homes, yet we have more than 1,000 privately owned houses empty in Newport for more than six months and that is appalling.

To have 72 properties empty for ten years or more and 49 for five years is a scandalous waste.” He added: “Not only is there the issue of those waiting for homes, but inevitably properties that have lain empty for years deteriorate.

That can impact on next-door neighbours and can also bring down areas.”