HELP to provide new affordable housing is on its way to Pembrokeshire with the appointment of the county's first rural housing enabler.

Matthew Owens will work with communities offering independent advice and support, acting as a facilitator and helping with the complicated process of providing affordable housing.

"I am very much looking forward to developing links and working with rural communities, helping provide needs-driven affordable housing for their areas," said Matthew, whose position was funded by four local organisations: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, the county council, Pembrokeshire Housing and Cymdeithas Tai Cantref.

"Coming from an estate agency background, I am more than aware of the scale of the problem for first time buyers and low income families, being able to find affordable property to buy or to rent, particularly in rural areas."

The shortage of affordable housing in Pembrokeshire is well documented, especially in rural communities.

Housing, and in particular provision of suitable housing for low-income households, is one of the crucial issues facing the countryside and rural communities.

Matthew said: "Nationally, the subject of affordable housing is one of the most important issues facing society today.

"On top of the dramatic rise in house prices we have seen over the last four years, Pembrokeshire has become an increasingly popular location for second homes.

"This has had a big impact on house prices in rural and coastal areas.

"I feel unless more affordable housing is provided in rural areas, it will have negative social and economic implications for rural communities in the long term."

In the next few weeks Matthew Owens will be writing to each rural community council in the county offering this service.

For more information contact Matthew directly on 01437 774769 or e-mail: matthew.owens@rhe-pembs.co.uk.