A FREE and open public meeting, followed by a debate about aspects of local housing provision will take place at Deri View School.

Event co-ordinator Barbara Symons said there has been an encouraging response to the initial publicity, "This tends to confirm our initial impression that housing – especially at the present time of uncertainty and pressure – is something which concerns a lot of local people, whether they are families looking for a home they can afford, or whether they approach the topic from a providers' point of view. We hope that this meeting will be the chance for local people to explore issues, and to ask questions."

The meeting, to take place on Wednesday, October 29 at 7pm, is a non-party political event.

Branch Chair and former County Councillor Mrs Verona Nelmes said, "It's the topic that's important, and we are aware that affordable housing is something which really matters to many people in this area. So someone had to get the discussion going, and it happened to be us."

Mrs Nelmes said the chair and all the panel members for the evening have been extremely helpful and positive in planning the event, and that everyone looks forward to a lively and constructive discussion. "There is no charge, and everyone will be welcome," she said.