An open day’s being held to promote affordable homes in the Bedale area offering local people struggling to get on the property ladder the chance to buy into a home for £55,000.

Of the 27 apartments built by Broadacres Housing Association in the centre of the town 15 offered for rent have been snapped up but so far only one of the 12 up for sale is in the process of being sold.

The £2.3 million scheme is part of a government drive to offer local people and people who work nearby the chance to stay in their own communities. The two bedroomed apartments cost £110,000 but buyers can go for a half share with a small rent paid on top.

Kath Stansfield, Broadacres New Homes Coordinator is concerned that prospective buyers don’t realise some of the apartments are for sale and the open day’s being held on Saturday March 2.

“The homes are open not only to people living in the Bedale area but who work in the area as well. They are fabulous flats, really well fitted out and right in the centre of town.

“We can’t arrange mortgages, but we can point people in the right direction, I think maybe part of the problem is lenders are asking for large deposits, but this is a real chance to get on the housing ladder at a low cost,”said Kath.

Most residents have already moved in to the rented apartments with high demand locally. Carl Doolan, Housing Services Manager said all of the tenants are working or retired.

“It has been a great success, interest in the flats has been high, we have residents of all ages, all are from the area, or work here, we have also had people who have moved away who wanted to come back to the town. “The apartments were designed to help people find homes in an area where rents are high and rented accommodation is very limited,” said Carl.

The Open Day is at the apartments in Bridge Street for more information call Broadacres, on 01609 767900, or go to www.broadacres.org.uk