Housing advice service launched

Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, is setting up the new drop-in clinic at the town hall. It will be open between 10am to 1pm every Friday within the Citizen's Advice Bureau. On offer will be free independent advice and legal advocacy on a wide range of housing issues.

These include rent arrears to housing benefit problems, illegal eviction, disrepair and finding a place to live.

Shelter is also encouraging those facing difficulties paying their mortgages to seek advice early on to avoid storing up problems.

The Observer reported earlier this year that at least three households a week around the town were facing repossession of their homes because of mounting debts.

Marie Willis, Shelter's area manager, said: 'Our figures show a high level of people across West Sussex are homeless or living daily with the fear of losing their home.

'High rents and house prices, combined with a shortage of social housing, means it can be a real struggle to find somewhere to live. The drop-in clinic offers vital advice and support to people facing any type of housing problems.'

The advice service is funded through Legal Aid. It is therefore important that visitors provide proof of income and documents relevant to the housing query.

Anyone unable to attend the clinic can call the Shelter office between 10am and 1pm on Tuesdays on 01293 419255.