A RELAY from Land's End to Westminster to draw attention to the country’s housing crisis has passed through the Cotswolds.

The baton, in the shape of a key, came through the Cotswolds on Friday, March 6, as it was passed from housing association to housing association.

Members of housing associations have been running, cycling, driving and even bouncing on pogo sticks as they make their way to London for March 17.

The relay seeks to draw attention to the lack of affordable housing in Britain.

On its way to Cottsway Housing Association in Witney, the baton passed through Bibury, where 11 affordable homes are being built.

The development will provide much-needed affordable housing for Bibury.

Lynne Barber, chief executive to Cirencester Housing Association, said: “It’s an opportunity to highlight the need for affordable housing in Bibury.

“It’s such a beautiful village and without affordable housing places like this aren’t sustainable, they can stop being vibrant and die.”

Building work, which is being carried out by Swindon based Hill Homes, began in July and will be finished June this year.

Bibury district councillor Sir Edward Horsfall, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, it’s exactly what Cotswold District Council needs, if we can have developments like these we do not need as many in other, busier places.”

The village was made famous in October 2010 when the picturesque Arlington Row was included in British passports.

Bibury receives about 40,000 visitors a year.