VILLAGERS struggling to find somewhere to live in Littledean will be able to bid for nine new affordable homes.

Those with links to the village will be able to bid for the properties on the Gloucestershire Homeseeker site.

The five two bedroom houses and four three bedroom houses for social rent are expected to be ready by February 2011.

Households in housing need who can prove they have a local connection to the parish through work or family will be given priority for the Two Rivers development on Beech Way.

Coun Patrick Molyneux, cabinet member for planning and regeneration said: "All too often we hear about local people who have been forced to move away from their home village because no affordable housing is available.

"Hopefully this new site, the first of its kind in this district for several years, will go some way to helping with this problem in Littledean.

"We really hope local people will apply for one of these properties."

The Littledean develop-follows years of partnership working between the district council, parish councils, housing associations and the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council. "We hope that other parishes will be interested in the success of this scheme and explore further the housing needs of their own communities," added Coun Molyneux,

Jon Coe, director of customer services said: "Developments, such as this one, are vital in helping families and local communities in rural locations stay together and can offer people a real choice in where they live.

"Two Rivers is pleased to be working with the district council on this scheme, especially as these nine new homes will allow families to remain in Littledean or be reunited with family already living there. "Without these types of development, people may be forced to relocate away from their family, employment and local community simply due to a lack of suitable, low-cost housing."

Anybody interested in bidding for the homes can register at http://www.gloshomeseeker.co.uk">www.gloshomeseeker.co.uk or contact the district council housing options team on 01594 810000 for assistance.