Local homes for local people (From Chorley Citizen)

Local homes for local people

11:06am Tuesday 23rd October 2007 in Lindsay Hoyle By Lindsay Hoyle

Housing shortages in Chorley are becoming a growing problem and a greater portion of complaints I receive from constituents, either at surgeries or through the mail bag, are centred upon housing shortages.

At one time Chorley had no one stopping in bed and breakfast accommodation.

Unfortunately this figure now stands at over 100 people.

Many young people are also excluded from the housing market given the state of house prices. I want to see more affordable homes and more rented accommodation built in Chorley in order to help local people find a home.

While thousands of properties are being built in the Chorley area, particularly at Buckshaw Village, there is very little affordable accommodation planned.

I recently met with the regional director of the Government Office for the North West to discuss these concerns and help ensure that all new housing development caters for those lower income groups and first time buyers from the Chorley area who, at present, cannot gain access to the housing ladder.

The message is simple - local homes for local people.