A JOBS shortage combined with a major lack of affordable housing could spell disaster for Bridport's future prosperity.

The "double whammy" warning comes from district councillor David Tett, a former Mayor, who wants urgent action to provide low cost homes and safeguard employment for the town's young people.

His concerns come after a report to the district council warning that the number of affordable homes expected to be built in the region in the next eight years falls well below what is likely to be needed.

A housing needs survey predicts that 350 low cost houses will be needed within West Dorset by 2011.

But the report warns: "The fact that this figure exceeds the total structure plan housing requirement for the district during same period illustrates the seriousness of the affordability gap in West Dorset.

"The analysis of the survey shows that the housing market excludes many families and single person households seeking access to local housing. There is a significant concealed demand for affordable housing which is in addition to the waiting list numbers."

Coun Tett said the town was facing a "very big and serious problem" over the likely shortfall in affordable homes - and one that West Dorset was currently having to wrestle with.

"A further consideration that is as important and pressing is employment - particularly for young people," he told The News.

Now Coun Tett is backing continuing talks with neighbouring South Somerset District Council in its bid to create and safeguard employment land in their area.

"Many of our townsfolk work and earn their living in and around the Yeovil area," he said.

Coun Tett said his main fear was that should additional employment land not be found in the South Somerset area then jobs would be lost or Bridport's young people would be obliged to relocate to other areas to keep their employment.

"This would adversely affect the need for affordable housing and endanger the town's future economy," he said.

"We have to hold on to our next generation and this we can, or should, be doing by providing both affordable housing and employment.

"The two go hand in hand."