AFFORDABLE housing provision in Eden has received a shot in the arm following the announcement that funding is in place for more than 80 new homes.

Eden Housing Association and Mitre Housing Association have received confirmation that funds have been made available from the Housing Corporation for the development of 83 new and improved affordable homes for families, young couples, single people and older couples over the next year.

The homes will be built in towns and villages across Eden including Tebay and Shap and most will be for rent to meet the growing demand from local people.

Chief Executive of EHA Paul Davies said "We are pleased to have received some recognition from Government that Cumbria has a desperate need for affordable accommodation and this allocation will provide financial support to deliver homes in a high cost area."

It is also hoped that that more funding will be announced later this year to pay for similar schemes.