A REVISED scheme, aimed at keeping local housing for Cotswold folk, is set to be adopted by the district council.

CDC is planning to change the rules of its 'Right to Buy' scheme to give people from the area longer to purchase former council houses.

The authority says the move is designed to ensure that local residents come before those from outside the area on the list of potential buyers.

CDC's portfolio holder for housing Edward Horsfall said: "House prices in the Cotswolds remain high and, in some areas, are out of reach for many families looking to get on the housing ladder.

"Former council houses are often more affordable and hence catch the eye of people looking to move into the county from outside.

"We want to ensure that local people are given the best possible opportunity to buy these houses before they are offered to the wider market."

Under the current legislation, a former council house up for sale is marketed solely to people in the district for at least four weeks.

CDC wants to increase that period to between three and six months, before allowing people outside the district the chance to buy.

The council has written to former buyers, town and parish councils, marketing agents and the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Board to seek their views on the proposed policy change.

Anyone with comments on the scheme is asked to write to development officers Martin Hutchings at Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX, or e-mail martin-hutchings@cotswold.gov.uk, before July 22.

* Lack of affordable housing is one of the most serious issues affecting the Cotswolds.

With the average house price in the district now more than £200,000, it is virtually impossible for most people to get on the housing ladder.

Housing chiefs have warned that the situation is so serious it could lead to a shortage of 'key service' personnel, such as nurses and firefighters, because they can't afford to live in the area.