A DORSET council is joining the fight for affordable housing in the area by urging owners of vacant properties to let or sell them.

West Dorset District Council has launched a new campaign called Filling the Empties 2002.

The council estimates that there are almost 1,000 unfurnished properties in West Dorset and says that demand for housing is high, both for the rental and purchase market.

Spokesman Jan Shorrock said: "There are currently around 650 families or individuals on the local housing register and the increase in house prices has put home ownership out of the reach of many people."

The council now hopes to create more affordable housing in the region by encouraging property owners to bring their properties back into use as dwellings.

District council leader Gwyn Pritchard said: "Empty homes are a wasted resource.

"Apart from possible problems for the owners, such as vandalism and squatting, they can be a blight on the local community. Bringing properties back into use will help revitalise the area and increase supply of much needed housing across the district."

Housing officers will be publicising the options available to property owners, such as obtaining grants for renovations and conversions.

In addition, people who own empty business properties may find they can apply for the money to convert them into residential accommodation.

Affordable housing campaigner Penny McCartney said: "I feel the campaign is a move in the right direction and is a really positive step in a small way.

"However, I do feel that more concerted campaigns are needed to deal with housing problems.

"I think that the steps that have been taken are just not enough. But it is better than nothing and I just hope that it will be successful."

Property owners are being urged to let out their properties privately, through an agency, or to sell their empty property either on the open market or to a housing association.

The properties can also be leased out to a housing association, which would guarantee a monthly payment to the property owner.

Anyone who would like advice on how to apply for grants or how to let their property should contact housing enabling officer Shelley Hayes on (01305) 252469 for an information leaflet.