A BOSCOMBE HMO has been turned into three flats.

The property in Churchill Road, which is owned by DWP Housing Partnership - formerly Dave Wells Properties - was a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

However, the Victorian-era bedsits have now been turned into new, larger flats. Bosses at the housing company are transforming a number of their HMOs back to family homes and self-contained flats.

Steve Wells of DWP said private landlords are needed to help regenerate the Churchill Gardens area.

"This is the latest conversion in a programme of improvements," he said.

“The property now contains a two-bedroom flat and two one-bedroom flats, and with a high demand for housing it was occupied very shortly after completion.

“We are converting a number of HMOs and upgrading our housing stock because it benefits everyone.

“It means we have larger properties that benefit families and also means our tenants will stay longer.

“Other benefits include enhancing the living environment for all residents in an area. We’re pleased to be supporting the council in its aim to improve Boscombe.”

Sophie Ricketts, Bournemouth council’s targeted enforcement manager, said: “We are running a property improvement programme and are asking landlords to improve their properties.

“DWP are on board and we’ve done a lot of work with them. The enhancements improve the environment, increase community cohesion, there is less transience and it’s more sustainable.”

As reported in the Daily Echo last year, residents of Churchill Gardens say they face "misconceptions" about the neighbourhood.

Some homeowners were told by the council to carry out improvement works to their properties or face further action.

Councillor Jane Kelly, cabinet member for regeneration and public health, said she is "delighted" to see new families living in the area.