LEIGH is a lovely part of Essex, something people who live there have known for many years.

Developers have descended on the area in recent years and it’s clear to see why. It’s a sought after location.

The figures in today’s Echo speak for themselves. A 6 per cent rise in property prices in the last quarter alone. One buyer for every 34 homes.

These are some figures.

And it’s not just Leigh. The trend seems to be infectious where south Essex is concerned. The property market here is beginning to boom, and it’s clear there is a feel-good factor in the south Essex air with the economy on the up, and the dark days of the recession starting to becoming a distant memory.

This is all good and well.

But as developers make hay while the sun shines, councils need to keep a very close eye on things and not lose sight of the small matter of first-time buyers.

It’s essential councils take something of a lead here, making sure developers, wherever possible, factor in affordable housing as part of the deal to allow them to develop.

Hopefully this will produce the win-win scenario everyone craves.

That way there will be opportunity for young people to get a foothold on an ever steeper housing ladder, while property prices can continue to flourish, in turn fuelling an economy on the rise.