Buy or rent close to family (From Witney Gazette)

Buy or rent close to family

11:57am Friday 24th March 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

PEOPLE on the housing waiting list with a connection to Leafield can apply to buy or rent one of ten new properties in the village.

Eight of the affordable homes at Fairspear Road will be available to rent, and two will be part of a shared ownership scheme.

The houses are being built by Oxford Citizens Housing Association, as part of the Oxfordshire Rural Housing Partnership, which last year built eight affordable homes in Stonesfield.

The properties range from one bedroom to three bedroom, and are expected to be finished in April. Anyone interested in the shared ownership scheme where residents buy an initial share in the property and pay rent on the remainder until they own it should contact the housing association, on 01865 773000. The rented properties are open to people on West Oxfordshire District Council's common waiting list.

To find out more, call 01993 861010.

The association's chief executive, Jonathan Higgs, said: "It's always a great shame when people can't afford to live in the area where they've grown up, and this is a particular problem for young people, who are keen to leave home and rent or buy their own property.

"Schemes like these are targeted at people who have strong links with the local area, and are keen to stay near friends and family."

Jonathan Higgs

"Schemes like these are targeted at people who have strong links with the local area, and are keen to stay near friends and family."