Frome rents, along with rents outside of cities, in particular London continue to outpace local earnings.

One of the latest homes to be advertised on the main rental site, is a two bedroomed home for just five pounds short of one thousand pounds a month.

Residents have urged the local MP David Warburton to step in following news that the government is considering stopping second home purchases, which are distorting the Frome market.

They posted : " It is not just coastal towns where second homes and whole home Airbnb's are reducing housing stock and pushing up rental prices. "

According to research from Zoopla private rents outside London are rising at their fastest rate for 13 years.

The property website said average rents across the UK outside the capital rose by 5% over the 12 months to the end of July – adding more than £450 to a typical annual rent bill – the biggest increase since its index began in 2008.

Meantime Mendip District Council is determined to deliver on its social housing programme in Mendip. It's part of its key priority to 'make Mendip a fairer place'.

The scheme - the first for two decades - promises to create jobs, boost skills and the local economy, while leaving a lasting legacy of social homes offering fair rents for residents.

advertisement

On September 6, Cabinet unanimously agreed to push forward its ambitious efforts for this much-needed provision. Members heard more than 1,600 families in Mendip are currently on the housing register.

A social housing report was noted and approved by members. The paper provided an update on a number of social housing projects progressing across the district. They include in Frome, Mendip working with Stonewater to build 18 highly energy-efficient homes on part of the car park at North Parade in Frome.

This site attracted central government Land Release Funding during the previous administration. Planning application could be submitted before the end of the year.