A GRANT of £3.2million has been secured from the government for affordable housing in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council applied for the grant, for 47 homes, from the Homes and Communities Agency in July, with 22 homes earmarked for Pembroke Road in Salisbury.

Following its success, councillors are now considering a second bid for more homes in Trowbridge and will discuss the matter at the next cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Cllr John Brady, cabinet member for housing, said: “We have a target to build at least 590 affordable homes in the county by 2011 and these grants will help us meet that target.

“It is important in Wiltshire, especially at this time of economic uncertainty, that we do everything we can to offer residents affordable housing.

“I would like to congratulate my colleagues in housing on their successful first bid, and I hope we are able to proceed with this one.”