Some 120 homes across Pembrokeshire have been empty for 10 years or more, research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. These homes are part of the 1,741 empty homes in Pembrokeshire.

Empty homes are a blight on their communities and it is a scandal so many homes are empty when the country is in the midst of a worsening homelessness crisis.

The figures show that of the 1,741 empty homes across Pembrokeshire, 799 have been empty for two years, 357 for five years and 120 for 10 years or more. Only 32 empty homes have been brought back into use.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds commented: “At a time when the homelessness crisis is worsening and more and more people are sleeping out in the cold on our streets, it is a scandal that so many homes remain empty. These homes could be turned into affordable places to live for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

“The current system clearly isn’t working. Pembrokeshire and Wales needs urgent action from councils and the Welsh and UK Governments to bring empty homes back into use as part of a wider package to tackle homelessness and the housing crisis.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is essential in creating opportunity for people across Wales. The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a proud record of creating affordable housing and we will continue to fight until everyone in Wales has access to the quality housing they need.”

Andrew Lye, chair of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire Liberal Democrats and Johnston resident, said: “These numbers are quite a surprise when you see how many properties have been empty for more than two years. Homelessness is an issue that has had much coverage this Christmas. These figures show 799 properties being empty for over two years, I would imagine that equates to a village larger than Johnston.

“Whilst a property can be empty for a variety of reasons, 120 empty properties for over 10 years equates to three times the number of the properties on the estate I live in. I hope these figures are an eye opener to Pembrokeshire County Council and encourage them to redouble their efforts to bring these properties back into productive use.”