THE housing crisis in Hexham will be debated this weekend.

Tynedale Transformed and Hexham Debates are joining forces to present an in-person discussion on the subject on Saturday, February 18 between 10am and 12 noon, at St Mary’s RC Church Hall, Hencotes, Hexham.

The debate will ask the central question: “What might housing justice look like in North East England and how can we achieve it?”

READ MORE: 'Financial pressures threaten our very existence': Homelessness charity

There will be a wide range of speakers from those working and volunteering in the housing sector.

Organiser of Saturday’s event, Hexham Labour town councillor, Penny Grennan, said: "Those with a home are struggling under a tsunami of higher living costs - everything from food to energy, rent and mortgages. Many are petrified they will lose a roof over their heads.

"And those who are already homeless, or depending on friends and relations, see the prospect of an affordable home drift further and further away.

"It is a tragedy of Victorian proportions unfolding before our eyes and something must be done. This special Hexham Debate supported by Tynedale Transformed, which campaigns for social and climate justice, will examine the issues and discuss some of the solutions."