Residents have branded the number of empty homes on their housing estate a 'scandal' when housing is in such short supply.

There are currently more than 10 properties lying empty on Witney's Windrush Valley estate, some of which have been vacant for over a year.

The number has at times been even higher.

Local councillors say it is 'a scandal' there are so many empty homes at a time when there's such a demand for social housing, particularly for family homes with decent-sized gardens.

Roy Linsey has a strong emotional attachment to the estate.

He lived in his house on Apley Way for over 63 years and was born in the front bedroom.

When his mother died he was told to vacate the only home he has ever known as he was 'over-occupying' and a family were in need of the three-bedroomed house.

Mr Linsey was 'heartbroken' when he was forced to leave at the start of February and has since settled in Eynsham.

However, five months on, his former house is still lying empty and the front garden is overgrown and run to seed.

Mr Linsey said: "I'm so upset about it, my daughter lives on the estate and my four grandchildren. I've also got a sick brother close by.

"I always paid my rent on time and loved living there. 

"They virtually hounded me out and for what reason when no-one’s living there? I can't even drive on Apley Way any more because its too upsetting.

"It wouldn't be quite so bad if a family had moved in and were making it their own and creating new memories just as my family did, but its just empty."

One of Roy's former neighbours said it was "such a shame, Roy was a lovely neighbour, as were his parents".

Windrush Valley estate - known locally as Smiths estate as it was built to house workers at Smiths Industries' factory on the Burford Road - was owned by Shaftesbury Housing Association before eventually moving over to Sanctuary Housing Association.

One elderly resident said Sanctuary's lack of routine maintenance has allowed the estate, which is close to the town centre, to deteriorate.

Labour councillor Andrew Coles said: "I absolutely share the anger and frustration on the estate and am shocked at the number of empty properties.

"What makes me so cross is that the empty homes reflect badly on the estate which is a lovely area with some wonderful characters.

"It's completely unjustified because there's a great community here."

Labour councillor Andrew Lyon added: "Its scandalous really when so many families are struggling to find suitable housing locally.

"There’s a housing crisis with great demand for affordable housing, particularly with the extortionate cost of mortgages and people, particularly young couples, being unable to get on the property ladder."

Local authorities and social landlords have seen their responsibilities increase in recent years and are subject to new building safety measures as well as paying for additional damp and mould measures.

In some cases this has reduced the budget to carry out improvements to properties needed before they are re-let.

A Sanctuary spokesperson said: “We are aware of the high demand for high quality affordable housing and are absolutely committed to making these homes available for local residents as soon as we can.”