Solutions to bring long-term empty properties back into use are being highlighted as part of a national initiative.

Carlisle City Council is hosting an event next week to coincide with National Empty Homes Week, where people who own empty homes will be given advice and support about how to revive them.

In Carlisle there are about 1,120 homes – 2.2 per cent of the total housing stock of 50,891 – registered as empty, which is 49 less than were empty in 2014.

Almost 200 have been registered empty for more than two years.

A council spokeswoman said: “In addition to being a disincentive to anyone staying on or moving to an area, they are also visually unattractive and create an impression of neglect and decline.”

About 50 people who own empty properties are expect to attend the event which takes place on Friday, December 4, at the Civic Centre.

It will feature presentations from key speakers, including Helen Williams, chief executive of the Empty Homes Agency.

It will also provide tax savings solutions, options for selling and renting, information on what the city council is doing about empty homes in Carlisle and campaigns and projects which aim to reduce the number of empty homes.

There will be an opportunity to meet with advisors and discuss solutions.

The event is supported by Saint & Co Accountants, Auction House Cumbria, Ad Hoc Property Solutions, Shelter Scotland and the Empty Homes Agency.

Places are limited and anyone attending is asked to confirm no later than Monday nov 30 by contacting housing@carlisle.gov.uk or by calling 01228 817352.

Meanwhile information on the council’s Empty Homes Strategy and what the Private Sector Housing Team is doing to address empty homes will be on display in the Civic Centre reception between Monday , November 30, and Friday , December 4 .