A Norfolk MP has said that it is a "scandal" that 100 houses at a redundant airbase have been left empty for eight years, while there is a shortage of affordable homes in the region.

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, is calling on the government to release the homes at RAF West Raynham, Norfolk.

At RAF West Raynham there are more than a 100 empty family homes - most have two or three bedrooms, garages, fitted kitchens.

They have been empty for the last eight years since the base shut down and they are falling into disrepair.

Decaying

Mr Lamb said: "It's a bit of a scandal that we have this public asset which is literally wasting away.

"It is decaying at an appalling rate and at the same time we have a massive problem with affordable housing." He is hoping the government will release the houses so they can be sold to local people at affordable prices.

'Silly' decision

Homelessness in this part of North Norfolk has rocketed by 60% in the last year.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said the empty homes were part of a larger site and at present the MoD was considering what to do with this site.

"It would be silly to sell the homes before a final decision is taken," he said.