A KENDAL family has been handed the keys to a house commandeered by South Lakeland District Council from a private owner.

The property in Mintsfeet Road was taken over by the authority under an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) — believed to be the first in Cumbria.

The semi-detached property, which had been left empty for a number of years, is now the home of ex-soldier Peter Kitching and his family.

SLDC empty homes officer Lynne Gilbertson said: “I am delighted that we have been able to renovate this empty property and offer it to a local family.

“The property had been vandalised and had been a source of anxiety to the surrounding community for a long time, so the council stepped in and took action to bring this empty home back into use.

“The immediate neighbours are relieved that it is no longer a concern to them, as it will once again be occupied and cared for.”