Prescott promises affordable rural homes

Mr Prescott visited a subsidised housing scheme

The deputy prime minister has promised that people looking for affordable homes in the Lake District will benefit from planned new investment.

He said the government's attempt to tackle housing need would treat urban and rural areas with equal importance.

John Prescott was in Braithwaite, near Keswick, on Monday to meet young families who have moved into a subsidised housing association scheme.

In Braithwaite house prices have been driven up by those buying property as either holiday or retirement homes.

Play area

Mr Prescott then visited Keswick, Cumbria, to see a £1.9m town centre pedestrianisation scheme.

Major work has been taking place around the Moot Hall as part of pedestrian proposals for the Market Place area.

As the final stage of his visit he was taken to Fitz Park where new equipment has recently been installed in the children's play area.