PUBLIC meetings about the new system of letting housing association homes, where tenants can bid for houses advertised in the Gazette and Herald, have been organised across Kennet district.

The first one takes place at Devizes Corn Exchange next Tuesday, December 4 from 4pm to 6pm where housing advisers from Homes@Kennet, the organisation set up to develop the new arrangements, will be on hand to explain the new system and give advice.

There will also be a free draw for a Christmas hamper.

The other meetings are at Great Bedwyn Royal British Legion on Monday December 10; West Lavington Village Hall on Wednesday December 12; Bouverie Hall, Pewsey on Thursday December 13; Ramsbury Memorial Hall on Friday December 14; Tidworth Leisure Centre on Monday December 17 and Marlborough Leisure Centre on Wednesday December 19. All meetings take place between 4pm and 6pm.

Under the new scheme, being piloted by just a handful of councils across the country, families on the register will be able to choose a housing association home from a list of vacant properties advertised in the Gazette and Herald.

The scheme, which is launched next February, is a partnership between Kennet District Council, the housing associations it deals with and the Gazette.

Under the present system tenants on the council's housing register are prioritised according to a points system which takes into consideration their level of need and the length of time they have been waiting.

Some tenants with urgent needs will be given priority cards and will get preferential treatment. Only people with a genuine reason for needing affordable housing in the district will be registered.