HOUSING booms seem like good news when you own a house. After all, if prices are going up, it is tempting to believe that no one loses out.

But this is to forget those left behind as the housing market rockets off along inflation road.

Young people in North Yorkshire - particularly in York, Selby and Harrogate - face being forced out of the county simply because they cannot afford to buy their first home.

Sensible initiatives between housing trusts, local councils and banks or building societies are needed to ensure that young people are not left behind, while also guarding against anyone buying a property they cannot afford.