Barnsley Council has agreed the first part of its rural housing programme for 2008 to 2011.

Cllr Bill Newman, Cabinet Spokesperson for Development, said: "Over the past few years we have secured funding for new homes in the rural west of the borough, and we agreed to keep the momentum of that programme underway.

"In April we will be supporting bids by our partner Housing Association for a further 18 new build homes for rent and affordable sale. But we must also make better use of the housing we already have and today I sought agreement on a specific programme for improvements to the energy efficiency of private sector homes in the west of the borough, with a focus on helping older and vulnerable members of our communities.

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"In addition we want to try and bring some empty homes in the private sector back into use. It does not make sense for homes to remain empty for long periods when we have housing needs so we will be looking to work with owners of empty houses to see if we can reach agreement on making some homes available to rent."

A small rural programme for improving housing conditions for people with physical disabilities in the rural west has also been agreed, which will supplement the major programme already in place for adaptations.

(CD/JM)