Derelict houses could be brought back into use as part of a bold new plan that could see the community take charge of housing development in Maryport.

Homelessness, a hidden but existing problem in the town could also be addressed if these affordable houses were available in the future.

The town council threw its weight behind the project this week, suggesting that new builds would make the town an attractive way to live and fit in with the multi-million development programme earmarked for the town.

But helping the homeless or those who were struggling was also important.

Councillor Linda Radcliffe said there were more homeless in Maryport than people knew.

Chairman Peter Kendall added: "It is a hidden problem. We don't see homeless people in boxes on the street so much but there are many who are sofa surfing because they have nowhere to go."

The town council was inspired by a presentation, on Monday night, by Allerdale council's community-led affordable housing officer Paul Taylor.

Councillors were enthusiastic about supporting the reclamation of the many old and empty houses in the town and returning them to habitable dwellings.

But they also recognised the need for some more modern and larger houses.

Allerdale council has assessed the need for a total of 30 houses a year in the town including 15 of four beds, six of three, two two-beds and one each of five beds or a five-bed for older people to share.

Funding is available under community-led housing which could kick start projects.

Groups, organisations of individuals could get together to renovate or build homes either on their own or in association with local bodies and councils or housing associations.

Mr Kendall said he has seen such ventures in Nottingham where a group of people with different skills joined together and built houses, one at a time. He said there was huge scope for something like this in Maryport.

Community-led housing schemes have already been set up in the Lake District National Park where the scheme enables affordable housing to be built as homes for local people.

Mr Taylor said the next step would be to identify brownfield sites for housing development in Maryport, Flimby and surrounding communities as well as empty houses that could be restored.

Councillor Angela Kendall said she would also like to know the future of sites that have already had planning applications approved but where no action has yet been taken.

The next step fro the council willb e to identify possible land sites and new projects and to work in partnership with Allerdale and other councils in Allerdale to develop a Community Led Hosing Hub to support new initiatives.