TORUS is calling for all political parties 'to focus on the need for more affordable housing' ahead of next month's General Election.

The housing group welcomed Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron to its Ash Acre Meadows site in Latchford on Saturday.

But chief executive Rob Young is asking for housing to be seen as a 'priority' for each of the town's parliamentary candidates, irrespective of the party they represent.

He said: "It was really encouraging to hear the Liberal Democrat leader focus on the need for more affordable housing when he visited Ash Acre Meadows, one of our own developments, but this is something that we would encourage all parties to support.

"Years of under-supply means that the UK housing market is broken.

"Too many people are priced out of the housing market.

"The new Government needs to commit to supporting the work of housing associations like Torus to help us deliver larger numbers of homes that are affordable for rent and other tenures."

In the past two years Torus, a partnership between Golden gates Housing Trust and Helena Partnerships, has increased the supply of affordable housing in Latchford, Howley and Orford.

It is currently on site building new homes in Dallam and Bewsey, while plans are in place to build more homes in Padgate.

Mr Young added: "Torus is committed to investing in communities, building much-needed homes for rent or affordable ownership, as well as new offers for older or vulnerable people.

"Warrington Borough Council has an ambitious and exciting programme of regeneration and by building on brownfield sites like the former tannery in Latchford, our new homes programme dovetails into this perfectly.

"Together, we can build great homes and create great opportunities for people."