Weston-super-Mare Central Ward Councillor Mike Bell called for immediate action by North Somerset Council to deliver more affordable homes for local people at a council meeting this week.

Mike said: “North Somerset Council has spent £71 million on commercial investments, including buying into the Sovereign Centre and Sainsbury’s site. They plan at least a further £29 million worth.

“I asked the council this week to look at investment in affordable housing instead – something that can help the thousands of families in housing need, support a ‘housing first’ approach to getting rough sleepers and homeless people off our streets, and give a chance to young people looking to start out on the housing ladder.

“Unfortunately, the response was a big fat no. The Conservative Council Leader replied that because housing wouldn’t generate a profit, he wasn’t interested. I’m afraid the only way to get action on these issues is to vote the administration out of office in May.”