A FORMER pottery in Newport will soon provide affordable housing for local people thanks to a £1 million scheme.

Wales & West Housing (WWH) has bought the former Parrog Pottery and yard in the centre of Newport and plans to build eight affordable the one and two-bedroom houses and apartments for local people to rent.

Newport's popularity as a holiday spot has pushed the average cost of properties beyond the reach of many locals; a one bed flat in the town costs around £125,000 while a two-bedroom house can cost more than £200,000.

Following last summer's consultation with local residents, Haverfordwest builders WB Griffiths are due to start work on the site later this spring. The development is expected to take 12 months to complete.

"This is an excellent opportunity to develop quality affordable housing in an area where many local people are struggling to get on the property ladder," said WWH's deputy chief executive Shayne Hembrow.

"The scheme will create employment opportunities during the building phase and, when finished, will provide much-needed affordable housing in this popular coastal town.

"There is high demand for affordable homes in Newport and we are delighted to be working with Pembrokeshire County Council, the National Park Planning Authority and Newport Town Council on this scheme."

Cllr John Griffiths, vice chair of Newport Town Council, added: "Newport Town Council fully supports this scheme. Having more good quality homes in Newport that local people can afford to rent is vital if we want to keep our community vibrant."

The new development will bring the total number of Wales & West homes in the town up to 34 as the association already owns homes at Maes Ingli and Cysgod y Dderwen.