RURAL residents are being asked to make the case for more homes to be built at prices people can afford to pay.

Durham Rural Community Council is sending out letters to households in Wolsingham and St John's Chapel in Weardale, for a survey on housing needs.

Recent job losses have hit the dale at the same time as house prices have spiralled, driving young buyers out of the area.

The problem was highlighted when a former council house in Stanhope was sold for £90,000, a price out of reach of many first time buyers.

The survey follows one covering the whole Wear Valley District and is aimed at assessing the particular demand.

The search is on for suitable housing sites and land at St John's Chapel and the Weardale Steel site in Wolsingham, could be earmarked for development.

At the same time Wear Valley District Council is in discussions with housing associations about projects similar to one just completed at Wesley View, in Wolsingham, which has just won a national award. Built by the Three Rivers Housing Association, it has provided social and shared ownership properties including bungalows for the elderly.

Claire Foster, rural housing enabler at Durham Rural Community Council, said: "The lack of affordable housing is becoming a concern. So many people are moving away because they can't afford to buy and there isn't much stock left. This is the first step on the ladder to addressing the problem."

District council housing director Michael Laing said: "There is undoubtedly a great need for affordable housing in Wolsingham and the rest of the dale.

"Prices are very high and need is even more acute following recent job losses. We don't want people to leave the dale because they can't afford to buy a home.

"Building new houses would also bring jobs because local firms would be employed.

"New homes would strengthen schools in the dale and would provide homes for people of all ages."