AN ABANDONED bungalow described as an ‘eyesore’ could be sold off without the owner ever knowing.

In an unprecedented move, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) is taking action to recover thousands of pounds worth of unpaid council tax by selling Avondale in Barton Road, Farndon.

Attempts to trace the owner James Doran – who hasn’t been seen at the bungalow since shortly after moving in eight years ago – have failed.

A hearing is being held at the Chester Civil Justice Centre in Little St John Street at 10.15am on Wednesday, April 27, where the authority is hoping to be granted an order to sell the property, which is worth in the region of £250,000.

In 2009, Mr Doran failed to respond to a council notice demanding that he remove waste, debris and weeds from his overgrown grounds.

The bungalow and surrounding land is such an ‘eyesore’ according to Farndon Parish Council that they felt it pointless entering this year’s Best Kept Village competition.

A CWaC spokesman said: “The property was purchased eight years ago and we understand was lived in for a short time.

“Chester City Council took action to board up the front door in 2008 and in 2009 ordered that the land surrounding the bungalow should be improved.

“Works were not carried out by the owner to comply with this notice.

“Cheshire West and Chester Council has tried on numerous occasions to trace the owner without success.”

He added: “We are taking action to recover a council tax debt. If the owner does not pay these outstanding monies and the order of sale is granted on April 27, this will allow the council to sell the property, recover the council tax debt and place the remaining funds in an interest account for the owner, should he come forward to claim it.

Farndon parish councillor Paul Roberts added: “It has been an eyesore for four or five years. It's disappointing it has taken the council this long to take action, but we're pleased action is now being taken.”