Your location: Help on offer in Lancashire
04 February 2008
As many people struggle with the post-Christmas debt hangover, rising mortgage costs and the credit crunch squeeze, keeping a roof over your head can be even harder at this time of year.
But Shelter is urging people not to bury their heads in the sand. From rent arrears to housing benefit problems, illegal eviction, disrepair and finding a place to live, Shelter's team of advisers can give you advice about your rights, explain what your options are and help you take action.
From 2006 - 2007, a total of 2,598 households faced the threat of repossession across Lancashire alone, which represents a 24 per cent increase from the previous year and a 50 per cent rise over five years.
Shelter is advising people with housing issues to get help as soon as possible to avoid letting problems escalate. We can provide specialised advice, negotiate with lenders and even provide free legal representation if you are facing court action.
Shelter Area Manager Jim Deveraux said: 'There are 291 homeless households across Lancashire and thousands more people are living daily with the fear of losing their home. High rents and house prices, combined with a chronic shortage of social housing means it can be a real struggle to find somewhere to live.
'The drop-in clinics and advice surgeries offer vital advice and support to people facing any type of housing problems, so please come along and find out more about your housing rights.'
Where to get help in Lancashire
- Drop-In sessions at Shelter's Blackburn HAC: Shelter Housing Advice Centre, 69 Preston New Road, Lancashire, BB2 6AY ( 0844 515 1831) Monday 10am-4pm, Wednesday 2pm - 4pm (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment only).
- Morecambe drop-in session: Signposts, 58 Regent Road, Morecambe LA3 1TE. ( 01524 419597) Monday 10am-1pm.
- Preston Housing Advisory Service: Room 4, Preston City Council, Birley street, Preston PR1 2QE. (01772 906821) By appointment only, available Monday - Friday, 1pm - 3pm.
- Preston County Court Duty drop-in surgery: Every Wednesday morning.
- Chorley Surgery: Help the Homeless, 45 Clifford Street, Chorley, PR7 1SE. (01257 273 320) Please call to make an appointment.
Shelter is able to arrange home visits in special circumstances, please call 0844 515 1831 and speak to an adviser.
