The son of a former Stevenage council house tenant has spoken of his anger at seeing his father's former home left to deteriorate, after he had left it in "immaculate condition".

Phil Morton - who's father has now sadly passed away after 65 years at the property - had hoovered, cleaned and tidied the house in Longfields before giving the keys back to the council on May 7.

The property's garden had also been left cut and in a good condition.

Since then, the home has not been occupied by another tenant.

The Comet: An over-grown hedge at 62 Longfields, Stevenage.An over-grown hedge at 62 Longfields, Stevenage. (Image: Phil Morton)

According to Phil, the garden is now "all over-grown" and "even the neighbours have complained about the state of the property".

He told the Comet: "My father moved out of his council property in April 2023, I handed the keys back on the May 7, 2023.

"I left the property and garden in immaculate condition - it's still empty, all over grown.

The Comet: The garden of 62 Longfields, Stevenage, whilst Phil's father was living there.The garden of 62 Longfields, Stevenage, whilst Phil's father was living there. (Image: Phil Morton)

"So when the council talk about properties, its hard to believe them.

"It's a disgrace."

Stevenage Borough Council has said there are "correct procedures that need to be followed", which are nearing completion at the property.

Phil later confirmed that he had been told by a neighbour that "a couple of workmen" had visited the house on Monday (November, 27).

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He continued: "So the question is, why has it taken them so long when people are crying out for houses?

"I'm just so disappointed with the council. I did the best job I could, I cleared the house completely.

The Comet: The garden of 62 Longfields now.The garden of 62 Longfields now. (Image: Phil Morton)

"I hoovered, swept up, dusted - I left it in immaculate condition and it's just gone to ruin."

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Stevenage Borough Council said: “There are correct procedures that need to be followed so we can ensure that when a property becomes vacant it is handed over and transferred properly.

"There are a couple of contributory factors to the delay in this property being ready for new tenants, including time taken to end the previous tenancy and transferring the property to our contractors for some refurbishment works to be undertaken.

"We have reviewed our internal processes, as well as our capacity, and that of our contractors resourcing needs to manage empty properties.

"We’re pleased to say that works on this property are complete and this will be ready for a new family in December. “