DEVIZES MP Claire Perry is to chair a meeting in the town next Thursday (September 28) to find a way to get more affordable housing in the area.

The Trust for Devizes and Devizes Area Board are hosting the meeting called A Vision For Devizes - The Next Conversation from 7pm to 9pm in the town hall.

Ms Perry said: "I know that housing is a key issue for many people living in the Devizes constituency and following the General Election, I have now made housing one of my local priorities. We all want to help deliver more appropriate and affordable housing for sale and rent and to ensure that Devizes and the surrounding area is a great place to live and work. Please do come along and join in the conversation."

Tony Duck, secretary of the Trust for Devizes, is worried about a lack of affordable and social housing. He said: "The main concern of the Trust is that the greatest need of the town is for affordable and social housing to meet the requirements of local people and local employers. "Encouraging the development of the number of brownfield sites identified in the Neighbourhood Plan would also reduce traffic congestion and the air pollution it creates. The longer term affect will be to create more local employment opportunities for young people and generally improve the town's economy."

Area board chairman Simon Jacobs said the meeting would get a conversation started and to talk about the direction in which Devizes is headed. He said: "β€œTo have a range of expertise under one roof alongside knowledgeable locals will prove to be very worthwhile and a great first step.”

Speakers at the meeting will include Andy Geddes from Devizes Town Council who will talk about the neighbourhood plan and Jane Gallifent the development and sales manager of Aster Homes. Members of the business community will also be present.