A DILAPIDATED HMO in Boscombe that was in such a bad condition no-one could live there has been converted into three new homes.

The once beautiful Churchill Gardens property had become so damp-ridden and rundown it was subject to a Prohibition Order preventing anyone from occupying it.

But now it has a new lease of life after Bournemouth council stepped in to buy the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and convert it into two one-bedroom flats and one two-bedroom flat.

This is the third HMO in Boscombe to be converted into good quality housing under an ongoing scheme to regenerate the area.

The council has earmarked £2.7m to an initial programme of HMO purchases and the three HMOs purchased to date mean there are now 23 fewer bedsits around Churchill Gardens. The new homes are built to a high sustainable standard and include wall and floor insulation, LED lighting and central heating.

A celebration of the transformation of 30 Churchill Gardens was held on Wednesday, just a couple of days before the new tenants were due to move in.

Cllr Jane Kelly, Boscombe West councillor and cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Churchill Gardens is a designated Conservation Area and much care has been taken to restore and retain the original features of all three of our projects so far.

"Thirty Churchill Gardens is a particularly exciting example of the restoration of the architectural heritage of the area. We hope the new tenants will be very happy in their homes."

Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: "This council is committed to improving the standard and mix for family housing in the area.

"This refurbishment will make available family homes and reduce our housing waiting list."