THE future of housing in the Ribble Valley will be mapped out by councillors tonight.

Members meet at Clitheroe Town Hall to decide on the borough's Housing Strategy and Housing Investment Programme for 1996/97.

Each year, local housing authorities are required to produce a strategy and submit a bid to the department of the environment for funds under the provision of the Housing Investment Programme.

The introduction of a report to members says: "The rural nature of Ribble Valley makes it a much sought-after place to live by people throughout East Lancashire.

"While this leads to a relatively high standard of maintenance, it also keeps house prices generally high, particularly in the rural villages.

"Even the market towns and urban fringe villages which have a substantial proportion of terraced and smaller properties can be beyond the price range of many young people." The report adds that the council is "determined to meet the needs of the homeless, the disabled, existing residents, home owners with expanding or contracting families and those who are employed in the area".

The council's draft plan had been submitted to the Government in order to meet the July 29 deadline, but any observations made by members at the meeting will be added and the draft plans amended.

Key proposals within the Housing Investment Programme involve spending £1,035,000, which includes:

£350,000 for the renovation of unfit private-sector houses through the housing renovation grant.

£80,000 to adapt private homes for the disabled.

£25,000 for loft insulation in private homes.

£510,000 for planned improvements to council dwellings including energy conservation work.

£70,000 for environmental improvements on council estates.

Key housing strategies in the borough will concentrate on working with private house-builders to meet social housing needs and complete the present programme of working with housing associations.

Other proposed initiatives include the renovation of empty and unfit dwellings and building on the success of the Ribble Valley Tenants Association.

Councillors will be asked to approve the Housing Investment Programme and Housing Strategy.

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