THIS is your last week to have your say in West Somerset Community Land Trust's (WSCLT) housing needs survey.

The WSCLT is carrying out the research to establish what the housing need in the area is, including where people need houses, what they can afford and what their requirements are.

Following the survey, focus groups will be carried out to get a more in-depth understanding and housing professionals are also being consulted.

The WSCLT is looking to recruit 'local housing contacts', both to signpost people in the community to them and to identify potential sites.

Maureen Smith, WSCLT secretary said: "This will mirror the successful work being carried out by the Exmoor Rural Housing Network.

Once the local housing need has been established, the CLT hope to build or renovate a series of high standard, sustainable, community owned properties which will provide local people with affordable rents and security of tenure.

Mrs Smith said: "The shortage of sustainable housing which is affordable to live in, in Minehead and West Somerset as whole, will continue to worsen as few large sites are available and those that are have got a lack of infrastructure.

"Providing this will increase costs and deter developers. Small sites, including the mystery brownfield site announced recently, can help, but hardly constitute a 'housing boom'.

"As so many homes built for the open market disappear into the second home category or become expensive private lettings, providing permanently low cost homes is the way forward and is what West Somerset Community Land Trust has pledged to do.”

WSCLT received initial startup funding from Forum 21, Somerset Community Foundation and the National CLT Network. It is working to provide homes that are genuinely affordable based on local wages not national averages.

To take part in the survey, discuss becoming a housing contact, become a WSCLT member or supporter, or for more information, please go to: www.wsclt.com or contact Maureen Smith on 01643 709478.