TENANTS of all council properties in the borough of Stockton are being reminded they are responsible for their own household insurance cover.

Tristar Homes, which manages 14,000 council properties in the borough, is reminding residents they must make their own contents insurance arrangements .

Elaine Corney, chief executive, said: "When tenants move in it is explained to them that we have insurance cover for the actual structure.

"But it is down to each individual to make their own arrangements for the contents.

"This is also spelled out in their tenants' handbook and reminders are often given.

"But there are still quite a number of residents who clearly do not take any action, and if something happens like the recent flash floods they can be in difficulties."

A number of Tristar Homes tenants in the Billingham area had their homes damaged in the floods, and some had not taken out any insurance cover for the items in the property.

Ms Corney said: "It sometimes takes an event like this to bring it home to people the need to have household insurance cover.

"All of our tenants should know the situation, but we plan to remind them in our next Tristar Homes newsletter, and staff will talk to residents whenever they meet them."

Tristar Homes can arrange low cost, weekly paid insurance cover through the council and application forms can be obtained from housing centres.