The number of Pembrokeshire residents forced to spend time in temporary accommodation is rising at an alarming rate.

This is according to recent figures obtained by the Welsh Conservatives, which state that during 2007 and 2008, homeless residents in the county spent a total of 484 days in temporary homes. The next highest figure was in Monmouthshire which stood at 212 whilst the national average was just 169.

“This is a huge concern,” said MP Stephen Crabb.

“There is a dire shortage of affordable housing for people who need it.”

Mr Crabb said he sympathised with local housing departments which were having to negotiate an ‘enormous’ level of demand for houses: “Many people seem to be moving into or indeed back to the area and declaring themselves homeless.

“As a result the demand for housing far outstrips the availability. The immediate question that arises is can we learn anything from other local authorities to help find a viable solution.”

Shadow Housing minister Mark Isherwood added that the problem was one the Assembly Government ‘could not afford to ignore’, not just in Pembrokeshire but throughout Wales.

However, a council spokesman said the situation had improved since the figures were released: “The performance to December 31st, 2008 was 329 days and it is anticipated this will improve further,” she said.

And for households becoming homeless since April 1st 2007, the average length of time spent in temporary accommodation was 167 days, the council added.

In 2004-05, residents in Pembrokeshire spent just 55 days in temporary accommodation but numbers have risen steeply every year ever since.