THE problems facing people who want to get on the housing ladder in the Ribble Valley are well known.

In other parts of East Lancashire, councils are trying to persuade builders to construct new homes to replace slums.

But in the Ribble Valley, developers are queuing up to build luxury, executive-style homes rather than those that local people can afford to buy.

Finding a solution is a real dilemma. Prices are already higher than anywhere else in East Lancashire and green belt restrictions mean that the sort of places that are ripe for redevelopment - like barns - are going to be converted into large luxury dwellings which are sure to be out of reach of young, local couples.

Tonight however councillors will be asked to approve a policy which will only allow residential development in the district's more built-up areas if it is affordable.

The plan is an enterprising attempt to address the problem and must work if the Ribble Valley is to remain a complete community.