PEOPLE in rural areas are being asked to support a call to build more homes at affordable prices.

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, because house prices have spiralled, driving young buyers out of the area.

The problem was highlighted when a former council house in Stanhope sold for £90,000 -too expensive for many first-time buyers.

The survey follows one covering the Wear Valley District. It will assess demand.

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

Wear Valley District Council and housing associations are discussing projects similar to one in Wesley View, Wolsingham, which 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 cannot afford to buy and there is not 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."