KEMPSEY people do not want their village to expand, especially if it means becoming part of Worcester.

Three hundred people took the chance to comment on the village's future as part of a survey on housing needs - and their messages ranged from "please don't ruin Kempsey, it's so nice as it is" to pleas for affordable housing.

More than 50 per cent of households responded to the survey, with 696 forms being returned.

A dozen people said they had an immediate need, 24 mentioned family who would like to move back to the parish, and others said they might need affordable housing within the next five years.

But there were worries that these could be built on green fields outside the development boundary.

"Once they're built on, they're lost forever and Kempsey becomes part of Worcester. If that happens, it's time for us to move on," was a typical comment.

Rural housing enabler Alan Saunders, who drew up the survey for Kempsey Parish Council, explained that the only way of ensuring new affordable homes went to local people was to build them outside the development boundary, binding them to local people in perpetuity under a special legal agreement.

Land outside the settlement area would be cheaper, enabling a housing association to build homes for rent or shared ownership.

Elgar Housing Association had 16 Kempsey residents on the waiting list, six of whom were looking for bungalows, he said.

But some members were worried that future legislation might lead to restrictions being lifted, allowing a housing association to raise money by selling the properties to outsiders.

"Can we really protect them, or will it be all change 10 years down the line?" asked parish chairman Joy Clee.

Other concerns raised by residents were that more houses would put additional pressure on the village school, doctor's surgery, sewerage and drainage systems, besides adding to flooding problems.

Seventeen replies mentioned traffic problems, 10 commented on the poor condition of roads and footpaths, and others referred to the lack of play areas, recreational facilities, public transport and employment opportunities in the village.

The information gathered will be used by the parish council to shape future housing policy.

Mr Saunders plans to make further enquiries about the need for affordable homes in Kempsey and wants to hear from anyone who indicated a need but did not give their name. Call him on 01684 862373.