WIDE-RANGING measures to help ease the growing problem of local people unable to afford housing in rural areas are being proposed by a borough council.

A detailed report on rural housing underlines the growing problem of rural people being priced out of the market because of rising property prices.

The report seeks approval from Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet, at its meeting on Wednesday, to adopt measures to help rural communities, particularly first-time buyers.

Harrogate district, which has had some of the biggest property price rises in the country, includes Masham, Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough and a large number of villages.

When the cabinet meets, members will be urged to take action, including influencing regional housing strategy to ensure rural housing priority, working with other districts to support affordable rural housing, carrying out housing need surveys, helping people with local connections to get housing in the area.

The council could also explore the housing policy adopted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park, restricting sales of new homes to those with local connections.

Seventeen rural areas in Harrogate borough are among the bottom 25 per cent of wards in England for access to services.