An initiative that will help tackle the issue of unsightly and derelict buildings across the Breckland district has been given the green light.

Breckland Council will begin a programme of work to identify sites that have a significant detrimental impact on the their immediate or wider environment, after cabinet members approved the project.

Although the authority's control of privately owned sites is limited, it has a range of legislative powers to require landowners to take action.

Sites which are likely to be included in the programme are those suffering from serious long-term neglect and buildings which are unsafe or the state of disrepair is attracting anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Paul Claussen, Breckland Council executive member for place, said: 'These neglected sites can be a real blight, spoiling the appearance of their neighbourhood and attracting anti-social behaviour.

'I am determined that we make the most of the powers that we have, working with partners to provide a clean, safe and well kept district for our residents.'

He added: 'To achieve the greatest impact, it is important that we focus our resources on those sites which are a major problem for the community, where using our powers will have a clear and demonstrable impact.

'I will be calling on members to use their local knowledge to put sites forward for consideration'

To bring a site to the council's attention, residents should first contact their ward member.

Contact details can be found at http://www.breckland.gov.uk/