FOR the first time in its history, Pendle council is asking local people about their needs and dreams for the future.

Over the next few weeks 2,500 residents will be asked to take part in a random survey which asks about the sort of homes that best suit them.

The information will provide concrete evidence for council staff arguing the case for government cash to aid the area and give a clear idea about realistic, affordable homes to both buy and rent.

The survey team are independent consultants and all the information from interviewees will be treated as confidential.

Pendle housing officer Nigel Fenton said: "It's the first time we've been able to do a housing needs survey across the borough and it will help us plan for the future.

"It will cover rural needs as well as people living in the towns, community care and social needs, whether people prefer to rent or buy and the sort of sizes houses need to be.

"We may find out there is a big demand for bungalows for older people or that they prefer houses, and it tell us the sort of changes that need to be made so that people with disabilities are catered for."

Every person who takes part will have the chance of winning £100.

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