An old empty flat above a Post Office on Old Road West has been brought back into use thanks to a £25,000 cash injection.

It had laid empty since 2003 and was then targeted by Gravesham council in 2012 to turn it into a habitable home.

Now completed, the flat is part of an initiative to return 28 homes to use this year.

Having contacted the owners, the council provided advice on the tax and legal issues and approved an interest-free loan of £25,000 from Kent County Council so the owners could make the necessary repairs and refurbishments.

To date, loans totalling £6.3 million have been awarded to fund projects across Kent.

Gravesham council’s housing director Kevin Burbidge said: “This is a milestone project for us as it is the first to complete in Gravesham. Any increase in affordable homes is welcome and bringing long-term empty properties back to use is part of the solution.

“The message is that we are here to help: there is advice, guidance and finance available to those owners that want to refurbish properties that are sitting empty.”