THE future housing needs of many parishes across Hambleton are to come under the spotlight this year.

More than 6,000 residents will be surveyed to help district council officials analyse the type and quantity of housing needed in their communities. The research is part of the authority's rolling housing needs programme.

Housing spokesman, Councillor Len Groves, said: "This programme ensures that the right kind of housing is built in the right locations.

"It allows us to address the longer term housing needs of particular areas, ensure that affordable housing is provided and make speedier planning application decisions."

Surveys are conducted with the help of local parish councils and householders. In large towns, a sample of people are asked for their opinions, while in villages everyone will be given the chance to answer.

Northallerton, Bedale, Romanby, Danby, Brompton, Lazenby, Exelby, Leeming and Newton, Firby, Snape, Carthorpe, Dalton, Topcliffe, Sessay, Aiskew, Crakehall and Burrill-with-Cowling will be surveyed during the next year.

Another 5,000 homes in Thirsk, Stokesley, Sowerby, Seamer, Rudby, Great Busby, Little Busby, Kirkby, Potto, East Rounton, Hutton Rudby, Carlton Miniott, Thornton-le-Street, South Kilvington, Bagby, Newsham, Sandhutton and Thornborough will be surveyed during 2003-4.