NEW house prices could be getting beyond the reach of some people in Guisborough.

This was the fear voiced at the town's parish assembly this week. Two councillors - at opposing ends of the political spectrum - agreed that prices of some properties on new developments were a bit steep.

Buyers were faced with prices of about £100,000 for a medium-sized detached home and up to £340,000 for the top end of the scale.

Coun Bill Clarke, a Conservative on both the town and borough councils, said last year saw a tremendous amount of investment in the town.

"There were also new housing schemes," he said in a report, "but prices may be out of the reach of most of the residents of Guisborough and I hope we can keep our identity as a market town."

Coun Keith Pudney said he too had been heartened by the development - "But it is a worry that a lot of homes being built are at the top end of the market.

Coun Pudney, a Labour member of both councils, wanted to see homes for young people "and those who don't want to pay a couple of hundred thousand for a house."