Tenants served notices to quit at a New Galloway property are pursuing a community housing buyout bid.
Five households were informed in January that they had to leave Kenmure Steadings outside the village.
Stephen Petch is leading the move to halt what he sees as a further loss of local affordable housing.
Mr Petch, who lives with wife Rachel and son Thomas, told the News: “We got 11 weeks’ notice from the agents which runs out on April 7.
“It’s our understanding that the six homes are being offered as a job lot.
“And because it’s a job lot that took us down the community buyout route.
“There has been a lot of support for us within the community, it’s been unbelievable.
“You’d go into the shop and there would be serious support for our situation.
“It’s quite heartwarming – and gave us the strength to look at a buyout.”
Mr Petch said he had already sought backing from local housing and community organisations.
And a housing availability and needs survey last year in the Glenkens, he claimed, highlighted the acute accommodation shortage.
He said: “On the back of the survey the Pamela Young Trust did a presentation at The Smiddy in Balmaclellan.
“They only have 22 properties but have 27 families on the waiting list.
“What are people supposed to do around here for a home?
“That brought things into sharp focus for us.
“To lose another six houses is quite a big chunk out of the area’s housing stock.
“There are several local organisations trying to help us find a way forward.
“One option is to come under the umbrellas of an existing community group with charitable status.
“Another is to set up our own community trust to access funding for a buyout.”
He added: “I’m from Darlington and I moved here by choice. We love this place and have been here 13 and a half years.
“We will await the outcome of decisions by local community groups before we decide the next steps.”
Mr Petch, a self-employed painter and decorator with his son, installed a new kitchen in December.
He is planning a new pie-making business selling to local outlets, shoots and fishing competitions.
Mr Petch said: “We were just about to change course and go into making pies for a living.
“I had it pretty much finished the kitchen by Christmas and cost me £3,500.
“If we can save this place we would not need to move. We are not going to be here for ever.
“It would mean the homes could stay as affordable community houses in perpetuity.”
Six of the nine residents still remain in situ.
One young couple has already moved out and another tenant has found a place in Dalbeattie.
“I try to take the most positive approach that I can.”
