FILLING empty homes has long been a ‘key’ priority for Pendle Council.

Now the authority has finalised the handover of 19 properties to private developers for renovations.

Among the houses, described as ‘long-term vacant’, were properties in Sackville Street and cottages in Burnley Road, both Brierfield, some of which have been empty for around 20 years.

Matthew Pearson, Pendle home improvement manager, said: “Dealing with the problem of empty properties is vital to the regeneration of Pendle.”