RENOVATION rolls back the years as Herefordshire Council takes on the 'changing rooms' challenge.

'Handy' Andy Thomas is the authority's own Mr Fixit when it comes to house conversion.

As empty homes officer, Andy gets run-down properties ready for a new lease of life. His biggest test to-date is a Hereford address unoccupied since the 1960s.

Keen to find cures for eyesores, Andy believes an initiative underway at Barton Road best illustrates the 'big picture'.

Thought to have been empty for some 30 years, a disrepair notice had been placed on the house before new owners contacted the council to ask about grant assistance.

Around £34,000 was provided to help create three self-contained flats. In return, the owners agreed to a lease deal that hands letting/management responsibilities to Marches Housing Association (MHA) for six years.

Other examples exist across the county. At Ross-on-Wye, a vacant end-of-terrace address is being transformed into a family home, while in Leominster an old shop will soon be 'selling itself' along similar lines.

The strategy is likened to recycling, with additional, affordable social housing as the end product. Owners get a guaranteed rent.

Andy is keen to hammer home the fact that any empty properties are eligible for aid.

Around 80 have been assisted so far and he is waiting to hear of others on 01432 261905.