Open Forum on Housing in Northumberland - all welcome!

1.30.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Sep 2007

How do we create homes for the future - in the right place, at the right price and for all ages? These and many other questions and ideas will be the theme of an Open Public Forum to be held on Thursday 27 September at 7.30 at Seahouses Sports and Community Centre, Stone Close, Seahouses.

Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, said

"Nearly 10% of homes in Berwick Borough and nearly 5% in Alnwick District are second homes. The average price of a home in Berwick in 2006 was nearly £160,000 and in Alnwick nearly £200,000. On the index of affordability by local authority area, Berwick was ranked 357th and Alnwick 265th out of 375 areas. The availability of affordable housing is a very serious issue affecting young people, families and the elderly throughout our area and I hope local residents will come along to the meeting to air their views and hear what the experts have to say."

The panel of North East housing and development experts available to discuss ideas and concerns are: Roy Ashton, Nomad E5 Housing Association; Joanne Gooding, Federation of Northumberland Development Trusts; Tina Gough, architect; Mike Haynes, Head of Property and Housing, Berwick Borough Council; Lord Joicey, Ford and Etal Estates; John Turnbull, Alnwick District Council Affordable Housing Officer; Brian Watson, Housing Consultant. Former Daily Mirror Editor, David Banks will be in the chair.

The event is free and open to all, and has been organised by Berwick-upon-Tweed Liberal Democrats. Refreshments will be available. Further information from Elizabeth Anderson on 01665 574631.