HUNDREDS of children in Ringwood are waiting for a family home as new figures show that the housing crisis is deepening.

Startling figures obtained by the Forest Journal have revealed that the a staggering 315 families are waiting to be housed.

The numbers show that 210 families are looking for a two-bedroom home while 105 families are searching for a house with three-bedrooms.

The average time a family can expect to sitting on the New Forest District Council's housing waiting list is between seven and eight years.

Some 71 families applied for a three bedroom home which became available in Ringwood recently. The successful applicant had waited seven years to be rehoused.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, told the Forest Journal that she had been waiting for a home for herself and her young daughter for almost three years.

"I have been living at home with my mother since my baby was born, that was three years ago. There are so many problems with renting privately, firstly the deposits are extremely high and that coupled with one month's rent needed in advance has priced me out. I work part-time and my salary does not meet what I need to be able to move house.

"I love my mother but I am too old to be living with her and should be able to find my own accommodation for myself and my daughter. It is a very depressing situation."

The figures do not take into account teenage homelessness, which is rising in the New Forest.

Jude Todd began the charity New Forest Nightstop 12 years ago, and it has since provided emergency accommodation for about 2,000 young people aged between 16 and 24.

Latest research has revealed that the south east is facing a housing shortage with more than 21,000 new homes needed just to keep up with the population growth.

In the south east 41,700 houses are needed per year, with 8,700 built during 2014. This leaves a shortfall of 21,840.

Experts the current level of construction is the lowest peacetime levels since the 1920s.