KEY workers in Dover who may be forced to live outside the town centre because of high rents are being given the opportunity to rent a flat at a special low price.

Fulmar House, in Salisbury Road, near to Dover town-centre, is being built to alleviate the problems faced by key workers.

School teachers, teachers in sixth form colleges and further education, NHS workers, Police, probation service workers and occupational therapists can apply to live in the flats, which will be ready in December.

Other keyworkers may be considered for the flats, which are being constructed by the Town and Country Housing Group, with help from cash from a government scheme to alleviate housing problems faced by keyworkers.

Fulmar House will offer eight one-bedroom flats at £381.66 monthly rent, and four two-bedroom flats at £421.66.

The flats are double-glazed, have gas central heating, a door entry system, and an allocated parking space.

Carmel Weekes, head of lettings at Town and Country, said: "Dover relies on its keyworkers. In many cases their wages do not reflect their true value to society and we are proud to play our part in helping to redress this.

"House prices and rents have been spiralling out of the reach of many keyworkers.

"Schemes such as this one, which has been developed in partnership with Dover District Council and is backed by the Government's challenge fund offer, can make a crucial difference."

Fulmar House is marketed by Daisy Lettings which is part of Town and Country Housing Group, who provide affordable homes in Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

The group works closely with Dover District Council, through the East Kent Triangle Partnership. The group includes the White Cliffs Housing Association.