A SURVEY investigating the condition of privately owned housing is being carried out.

The owners of 3,000 homes in Richmondshire will be asked questions to establish the state of their properties.

The survey is being carried out by the district council.

Peter Bridgstock, the council's head of building control, said: "It will look at a sample of homes, assessing their condition and energy efficiency, the number of non-decent houses, the amount of work required and cost of making them decent, plus the ability of owners to make changes."

Homeowners, who have been chosen at random, will receive a letter and a list of frequently asked questions prior to a visit from the survey team.

"We are committed to improving the condition of private sector housing in the district, and I hope people will spend some time helping us complete the survey," said chairman of the community committee Councillor Yvonne Peacock.

"It will help identify the areas in most need and show us where to focus resources."