THE chances of villagers living near Malvern being offered houses in their home communities could improve under a new points system.

Under the system, in which points are offered to people on waiting lists, more points could be given to people already living locally.

News of the move came as Malvern Hills District Council met to discuss a report on attitudes to social housing in villages in the district, prepared by a team from University College Worcester.

The team noted an irrational fear of outsiders and a NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) attitude when the subject of affordable rural housing was brought up.

There has been strong opposition to develop social housing schemes in villages throughout the area.

Last year, a proposal to build six affordable houses in Castlemorton caused a storm of protest, with villagers citing as a reason that new occupants would not be economically active, and would be unlikely to contribute to the village economy.

However, the survey pointed out that 49 per cent of occupants of housing schemes were brought up in the same or adjoining village, with a further 26 per cent living in the village previously.

The research added that affordable housing could help sustain village life, enabling people who might otherwise be unable to afford to stay to remain in the area.

At a meeting earlier this month, district councillors said they were keen for low-cost accommodation to be made available.

Councillor Susan Gill said she believed housing should be available for the immediate family of residents.

"At the moment, the point system means a single parent with three children will always be top of the list over people from the village," she said.

A new draft Rural Lettings Policy, which recognises an applicant's connection with an area, has been recommended for approval.