Ipswich council’s executive is set to confirm the compulsory purchase of two homes in the town on Tuesday.

The long-emptied homes, in Sidegate Lane and Churchill Avenue, have been empty for many years and are being bought so they can then be offered for sale and to get someone living in them again.

They both became vacant after their owners died and there were problems with finding who had inherited them – and the buildings were then left for a number of years.

The house in Sidegate Lane has been left empty for six years and that in Churchill Avenue has been empty for 16 years. Officers say both could make ideal family homes once they are prepared for new occupiers.

Their purchase will be discussed in closed session at the end of the borough executive meeting on Tuesday – and the authority is expected to give approval for the compulsory purchase orders to be sought.