THE search is on for a dedicated affordable housing supremo to avert an impending homes crisis in West Somerset.

An emergency meeting has been called by housing officials who will press for the support of local communities for more affordable homes in their villages.

Cllr Mary Crowley, responsible for housing on West Somerset Council, told a cabinet meeting on Monday: "We should do everything we can to get some affordable homes for purchase or rent."

A report published by the council this week showed that 112 affordable homes were required in the district each year to keep up with the demand from would-be local homeowners desperate to stay in the area.

But the report showed that in 2003/04, and 2005/06, the council had delivered NO affordable homes to buy. Last year, just seven were delivered.

Partners, such as housing associations, had delivered 27 affordable homes since April 1 this year - 16 to rent and 11 for purchase.

Now, West Somerset officials have called for a dedicated housing development officer to beef up the council's affordable housing programme.

The report suggests would-be house buyers in West Somerset need an annual income of £57,228, while the actual average income in the South West is said to be just £19,628 according to the National Housing Federation.

A survey published by Exmoor National Park Authority last month said affluent house buyers from the South-East had helped push the price of an average house on Exmoor to a whopping £366,159, with a local couple with an average combined income of £26,000 having to fork out an astonishing 14 times their earnings to buy one.