Closure of village schools is direct result of lack of affordable homes in rural areas

5.05.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Sep 2009

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the publication of a report by the National Housing Federation (NHF), and called on housing and planning authorities to step up their game before our rural communities die.

The report by NHF has found that 62 rural primary schools closed between 2004 and 2008 (including Lowick and Rusland & Satterthwaite primary schools in our area) and suggests that another 200 village schools will close across the UK before 2014 as families are priced out of the countryside.

Speaking this morning, Tim said: "This report is yet more evidence of the crisis in our rural communities. Young families simply cannot afford to live in the countryside any more, and here in the South Lakes are being driven into Kendal, Lancaster or even further afield.

"We need to step up our game and take real action before it is too late. We need more affordable housing for local families built on sites with community support. We also need to make the best use of innovative schemes like 'Home on the Farm'."

Related Link:

National Housing Federation.