TWO Cheshire East councillors have told the Guardian that the new housing in Ollerton will help to make up the local shortfall.

Clr Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “The provision of affordable housing is a key priority for the council, and this announcement is really good news for the people of Cheshire East.

“The 2010 Strategic Housing Market Assessment revealed that, across the borough, there is an annual shortfall of more than 1,000 affordable dwellings.

“While this is not a target, it is a clear indication of the level of need across the authority.

“In Cheshire East, we have a housing waiting list of more than 12,800 people, and the greatest demand is for family accommodation.

“This scheme is another excellent example of the council working with others to deliver for the people of Cheshire East.”

Clr George Walton, ward member for Ollerton and mayor of Cheshire East, said: “I am delighted that these houses are now nearing completion to satisfy an obvious demand in the local area.

“It’s not easy these days for younger people, who wish to remain in their area, to find suitably-priced housing and hopefully this development will go some way to making up the local shortfall.”