SOLDIERS leaving the armed forces could be given priority for brand new homes in a Forest of Dean town.

Ex-Rifles, those in work and tenants living in houses that are too big for them will go to the top of the queue for the social housing.

But the proposed new lettings plan could leave some single mums and homeless unemployed families in B&Bs disappointed.

Today council leaders are to discuss the policy that could mean some priority families miss out on tenancies at the 200-home estate being built on the former Lydney golf course.

Council leaders and the housing association want to change the usual rules for the first 61 rented homes which are expected to become available before Christmas.

The 20 flats and 41 houses for rent will be "pepper-potted" among the 75 homes for sale through shared ownership and the open market.

Council leaders and housing association Bromford say new rules will create a "balanced, sustainable and thriving community" which will set an example for future developments".

There are currently 2,200 Forest families on the Gloucestershire Homeseeker list and more than 300 want to go to Lydney.

A report to be presented to the Cabinet