SOMERSET Council has refused to explain why one of its properties in Wellington has remained empty for several months while several thousands of families were on its waiting list for accommodation.

The house in Bulford was last occupied by a single mother and her children, who are believed to have moved out earlier this year.

The former estate warden’s house is believed to have four bedrooms and a self-contained one-bedroom flat attached to it.

But Wellington Weekly questions about the property were deflected by the council, which said it could not comment on any ‘individual tenancy matters’.

Neighbours said the property had been empty for so long that it was becoming rundown with rats seen in the back garden.

Persimmon Homes, which recently put forward plans to build up to 250 new homes in Rockwell Green, carried out a housing needs survey to support its proposals.

The company found 3,175 people were on the waiting list for suitable accommodation in the west of Somerset.

One Bulford resident told the Wellington Weekly: “I think there could be remedial work required by the council as I recall when new windows were fitted on flats in Bulford there was a refusal by workmen to do this house.

“We are just wondering why it remains empty when there is a large waiting list for family homes.

“It is strange it has remained empty for such a long period of time.

“What reason could there be?

“We would be pleased to see the house made habitable again.”

Somerset Council allocates local authority housing through a web-based Homefinder needs-assessed service where people have to register and make ‘bids’ for properties which become available.

But a spokesperson said: “Demand for social housing in Somerset far outweighs supply.

“On April 1, 2023, there were nearly 12,000 applicants on the Homefinder Somerset scheme.

“From April, 2022, to March, 2023, there were just over 2,000 homes advertised.

“This means many people are registered on the scheme for a long time without being made an offer of a home.”

Wellington’s Bulford estate was originally built as a mix of houses, bungalows, and flats to provide sheltered housing for tenants who were served by an on-site warden.

But it has gradually become open housing, although mostly for elderly residents, with some properties adapted for those with disabilities.

In response to questions about the empty former warden’s property, a council spokesperson said: “We work hard to ensure homes are re-let as soon as possible to ensure those on the waiting list can be housed swiftly, and to negate any income loss to us during the void period.

“Some of our sheltered schemes have guest rooms.

“A number of these across our estates have been mothballed as the cost of the works to make them compliant with safety legislation will not be recouped by their occasional use.

“These rooms are not suitable for use as a home, they usually consist of a bed and toilet facilities only.

“They are not suitable for addressing the county’s housing needs.”