South Kesteven District Council is launching the project to try to improve the speed at which properties can be re-let and also offer more choice.

Council chiefs said properties that are offered to people are often turned down for several reasons, including distance from relatives and its size.

The properties will be advertised locally and on the council's website.

Text alerts

Anybody can apply for the property providing they meet the qualifying criteria for council homes.

James Kerr, Instant Homes project manager, said: "Anyone can apply and if necessary, be fast-tracked onto the waiting list.

"Because we can't possibly contact all of our thousands of residents cost effectively, we are now going to advertise those properties that have been turned down.

"We are taking out newspaper adverts and we'll put the available houses on our website.

"As people become more aware of the project, if they give us their mobile numbers or e-mail addresses, we'll be able to send out text and e-mail alerts too."

Its council housing service was rated "poor" and in desperate need of improvement in a report earlier this year.