THE need for more affordable housing has been put at the top of the agenda by a council as it outlines its key objectives for the next five years.

Richmondshire district councillors will discuss the five-year plan at a meeting next week.

It lists four priorities for 2004/2005, including working with other agencies to improve the amount of affordable housing and increasing recycling levels.

By 2009, the council wants to attract 300 jobs and increase the employment rates of lone parents, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities and people over 50.

Other targets include attracting £3m of investment to Richmondshire, reducing the fear of crime, improving the quality of life for older people and improving the range of cultural, leisure and sporting facilities on offer.

Council leader John Blackie said that the plan was an important overview of the council's aims for the next five years.

"What we are saying is that we are going to focus on these priorities," he said.

"At the same time we are trying to achieve as many of the other targets and aims in the plan as we can.

"We have quite a good record of delivering on the plan and I have no reason to doubt that this year should be any different."

Coun Blackie said that one of the key aspects of the plan was its commitment to increase the amount of affordable housing in the district.

"One of the most important objectives is on affordable and local need housing," he said. "We know about the vast disparity between wages and prices - average wages are about £12,000 to £14,000 and average house prices are £200,000 plus. I am afraid those two points are very hard to bridge."

Work has started on six affordable houses in Askrigg and work is due to start soon on four houses at High Riding, Richmond. Housing Corporation funding has been secured for a further ten houses at Hawes, 20 houses in other areas and 36 on former garage sites occupied by the council.

Councillors will be asked to approve the plan on Tuesday.