DOZENS of community representatives packed a city restaurant for the launch of a report highlighting the housing needs of Southampton's ethnic minorities.

The Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Housing Report considered access to housing, conditions of housing, support and future housing aspirations for city minorities.

Compiled by Southampton Social Housing Partnership, the report found that 66 per cent of respondents were happy with the area of the city they live in.

Areas of concern among ethnic groups included being close to local amenities, crime levels and antisocial behaviour.

The launch, held at Cafe Mumbai in Lower Banister Street, was attended by more than 50 residents and representatives from the housing sector.

Councillor Liz Mizon, Cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and communities, added: "It is very important that the city considers housing needs for the city as a whole but also for the city's specific groups. This report will allow us to plan for the future."

The report will now run for a further two years thanks to extended funding from the Southampton Social Housing Partnership.