There are about 350 empty council houses in Swansea

Show houses are being opened in various parts of Swansea to entice house hunters to rent properties from the local authority.

The council believes local authority houses are sometimes seen as the poor relation to private rented accommodation while groups such as students may not realise that they are eligible.

Just like show homes on private developments, the three council homes have been decorated and kitted out with furniture to make them homely.

The perception of some people is that council houses are not for them because they get bad coverage Operations manager Kevin Anderson

Housing officers will be on hand to give prospective tenants guided tours and answer any queries.

There are 15,086 council properties in Swansea of which about 350 are lying empty.

Operations manager Kevin Anderson said: "The perception of some people is that council houses are not for them because they get bad coverage.

"Perhaps some groups such as students would not think of going into council homes because they think they would not qualify.

"The main objective for opening three show homes is to raise awareness of council housing within our areas.

Show home opening dates 58 Heol Emrys, Penlan, 25 July 1000BST to 1500BST and 26 July 1000BST to 1200BST 134 Parc Avenue, Morriston, 1 August 1000BST to 1500BST and 2 August 1000BST to 1200BST 54 Portmead Avenue, Blaenymaes, 8 August 1000BST to 1500BST and 9 August 1000BST to 1200 BST

"The show homes will provide an opportunity for our prospective customers to see a selection of our properties throughout the city, fully decorated and furnished."

Following the initial opening days viewing will be by appointment only.

Mr Anderson said there had already been a lot of interest and he was expecting the show homes to be busy when they open.

"I think it is something a lot of local authorities in Wales will be looking at doing," he added.