DESPITE economic crisis, plans to build affordable housing are still going ahead in Cheddar.

DESPITE economic crisis, plans to build affordable housing are still going ahead in Cheddar.

High house prices in the village, combined with a lack of mortgage finance means residents are finding it hard to buy a home of their own.

Now Sedgemoor District Council has announced that progress is being made for housing on a plot off Helliers Lane.

Since a public meeting in April, in which residents were shown some of the plans, the proposals have been revised and construction should start within the next year.

Initial plans include the building of new intermediate affordable housing units, which will allow local people in need of housing to get a home.

During November, a site visit will be held to other successful projects for councillors at parish and district level.

Then on November 25, Sedgemoor's affordable housing manager Duncan Harvey will be addressing the parish council and a public meeting will be held in January 2009.

He said: "The need for affordable housing in Cheddar is higher than ever.

"Despite economic problems, it is fantastic that there is still strong support for the project.

"I am confident that Cheddar will get its much-needed affordable housing.