THE average price of a home in the North York Moors National Park has soared to more than £160,000 - too much for most locals to buy, says a report.

The rise, revealed in a house prices survey in the park, is 25 per cent up on last year, says Tom Gill, the park authority's planning assistant.

The figure of £160,465 compares with £93,235 for a home in the rest of North Yorkshire, £66,234 in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and £110,570 nationally, he added.

"In this year's survey only one property is for sale under £50,000" said Mr Gill.

"This illustrates the problem faced by many local people who are unable to afford to market housing in the park, particularly those wanting to get on the first step of the property ladder." The new figures collated by the Agricultural Wages Board indicated the average farm worker earns £269 a week, which would enable them to get a mortgage of only £38,736, while a skilled estate worker in the park earns £242.

Comment: Page 8

Updated: 11:27 Monday, October 22, 2001