A house owned by an NHS trust which was left empty for nearly four years has been sold.

In 2012 Herts Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust was gifted a six self-contained bedroom property in Hill End Lane, St Albans, following the closure of Hill End Hospital in 1995.

But the property was left vacant for four years at a cost of nearly £100,000 to the taxpayer.

Following an FOI request from the Herts Advertiser, the trust has revealed that is has now been sold to New Directions Flexible Social Care Limited for £575,000.

The trust replied: “They intend to use the property to provide an enhanced supported living service which will support female clients with mental health needs.”