AN Uxbridge company is at the heart of a drive to tackle the UK’s housing shortage by bringing empty homes back into use.

Orbis Protect, based in Cricketfield Road, is partnering with E.ON to provide specialist clearance and cleaning of any empty properties, externally and internally.

With 605,000 empty homes in England, the scheme is offering help to owners with properties that haven’t been lived in from anywhere between six months and 10-15 years.

READ MORE: Creative Hayes students prepare for exciting careers

Guy Other, CEO of Orbis Protect said: “There are a number of reasons why private owners leave homes empty and there are varying conditions and states of repair we can help with.

“Sometimes, people feel there is too much to do. They don’t have the time or the skills to bring the property up to standard.

“With our level of expertise, we can tackle anything from major clearance and cleaning to vital safety checks.”

Orbis will ensure the properties are safe and accessible for other service providers, who can bring the houses back to a decent standard.