Six working families are set to benefit from 'affordable rent' following a collaboration between the council and a housing company.

The families will move into three bedroomed homes in Dixon Road, Longridge, thanks to Ribble Valley Borough Council and Onward Homes.

Onward Homes have been built the much-needed properties at the site of a council storage depot, which has been relocated.

Housing strategy manager for the council, Rachael Stott said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Onward Homes to bring this scheme to fruition.

“These stunning houses will meet a pressing need for affordable rented property in Longridge and they have been snapped up immediately.”

More properties look set to become available for affordable rent at 80 per cent of the market value to local working families over the coming months.

They will include existing houses, as well as new homes.

All new developments in Ribble Valley provide an element of affordable housing comprising a mix of shared ownership and rental properties.

And a proportion of the rental properties are set aside specifically for working families registered on the affordable housing waiting list.

Affordable rents in Longridge range from £475 a month for a two-bedroom house to £550 a month for a three-bedroom house.

Rachael Stott added: “There is a common misconception that affordable rental properties are only for out-of-work families, but nothing could be further from the truth.

“They are fast becoming the ideal option for local working families looking for a decent home, but unable to buy one.

“As well as a lower rent, affordable rental homes offer long-term security and fast repair response rates.”