THEY were among the most unpopular council properties in Hull for years. Built in the early 1970s, dozens of first-floor bedsits were designed to link rows of terrace council homes on a number of estates across the city.
But their cramped surroundings proved to be a turn-off for tenants and many became almost impossible to let.
However, recent housing benefit changes following the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax" have suddenly made the link bedsits popular.
As a result, Hull City Council is now letting 58 recently refurbished and extended bedsits as one-bedroom flats.
The conversion programme followed an initial pilot scheme in 2011, involving four properties to test demand.
Councillor John Black, portfolio holder for council infrastructure, said breathing new life into the empty bedsits was part of a wider drive to bring neglected properties back into use.
He said: "The council is committed to bringing as many empty properties across the city back into use as quickly as possible.
"These bedsits had been boarded up, not fit for purpose and were very difficult to let.
"By converting these properties, we have been able increase the number of one-bedroom flats, which is good news for people who are looking for this type of home.
"These conversions benefit the neighbours and local communities as it reduces antisocial behaviour, improves the look of the local area and increases property values."
Among the new tenants is Ricky Woodhall, who was previously homeless.
He said: "I recently moved into one of the bedsits after spending time in the local hostel. It is the best thing to happen to me. I now have a real home for the first time and feel part of the community."
The conversion work on the link bedsits has been carried out by Kingston Work Limited (KWL), the council's wholly- owned building services company.
Kevin Redmore, business leader at KWL, said: "We were pleased to be actively involved in all stages of this project to transform these properties into one-bedroom flats.
"We returned the flats as programmed, in budget, to a very high quality standard that future residents and surrounding communities will be able to enjoy in the coming years."
Work on the recent conversions started last September.
The final completed flats are now going through the council's letting process.
The properties have received a full refurbishment, including new plastering and a new kitchen and bathroom.
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