WORK is under way to transform a house described as a “derelict eyesore” into a family home.

Contractors have started a major overhaul of the property at 11 Berkeley Road, Clacton.

Tendring Council carried out a compulsory purchase order in 2013 after the building was abandoned by its owner.

The house, which stood empty for 15 years, will be added to the council’s list of properties to let out to tenants.

Housing boss Paul Honeywood said: “We are in the process of removing what has been a blight on that neighbourhood for some years.

“We will continue to use compulsory purchase order powers where this type of situation occurs and bring empty properties back into use.”

The scheme is expected to take 20 weeks to complete. The work involves modernising the house, which has been vandalised and suffered damage over the years.

The property was used as a squat about five years ago and there has been a number of fires at the site.

A new roof has now been put on and a rear extension has been built.

The cash to buy the property came from developers.