Action call on derelict buildings in Norwich
Norwich City Council has called for more powers to tackle the problem of privately-owned buildings being left to decay.
The council believes there are about 30 buildings left derelict by private landlords in the city.
On Wednesday, the council's cabinet member for planning, James Bremner, and other councillors met government officials in London.
Mr Bremner said the government could help fund compulsory purchase orders.
He said many of the derelict buildings were former pubs that had subsequently been vandalised.
He added: "The seeds have been sown. We've got to make sure the government knows there is a problem.
"Let's get them developed because there's a chance for jobs, a chance for homes and a chance for prosperity."
The meeting was arranged by Norwich North MP Chloe Smith.
The Department for Communities and Local Government said it had not yet decided if it would provide help to improve derelict pubs and offices but had promised to try and redevelop empty homes around the UK.
It said it would publish its plans in the autumn.