TWO surveys are being carried out in Ryedale to assess whether affordable homes are needed for local people.

The studies are taking place in the Slingsby and Burythorpe parishes after Ryedale District Council’s housing manager, Kim Robertshaw, recently highlighted the risk of small village schools closing if families and young people were unable to find accommodation within their price range.

School rolls are falling in Ryedale at the moment, but are forecast to increase in the near future.

Kim said: “Villages face a slow death without local people, young and old, being able to access affordable housing.”

Anybody in the two parishes who needs housing and wants to stay in the communities should phone Ryedale’s rural housing enabler, Colin Huby, on 01653 600666 extension 354.

Alternatively, they can email colin.huby@ryedale.gov.uk to obtain a questionnaire.