A POSSIBLE clampdown on second homes in an area of North Yorkshire has won the support of a councillor who says that in some villages they far outnumber those of permanent residents.

Councillor Herbert Tindall, whose ward covers an area of the North York Moors National park, spoke on the issue at Scarborough Borough Council's resources overview and scrutiny committee.

Members were told that that the Government could stop the 50 per cent council tax rebate given to owners of second homes.

In the Yorkshire Coast area there are 4,000 receiving relief 1,300 of them holiday or second homes.

"There are villages in my area where over 50 per cent of the properties are second homes and in Runswick Bay there are 96 per cent - 16 are full-time residences and the rest are second homes, or holiday cottages," said Coun Tindall.

He believed that people who could afford a second home could afford to pay the full council tax.

"They can afford it and they accept they are getting the same services as other full-time council tax payers," he said.

Other councillors said many residents were unable to buy a home in their village, because properties were being bought as second homes.

Acting director of finance Trevor Teasdale said abolition of the discount would generate an extra £500,000 for the cash-strapped council.