A NEW scheme has been set up across North Yorkshire to publicise all the homelessness prevention initiatives available to homeowners at risk of repossession.

The scheme will last for 12 months during and it is hoped as many homeowners as possible will benefit from the advice readily available to them.

It has been developed by a partnership of all the county’s local authorities and is being co-ordinated by Val Blood of the Housing Advice Resource Project.

"There are many sources of advice and information in North Yorkshire that homeowners with mortgage arrears can access.," she said.

"There are also various mortgage rescue schemes available nationally and, in some areas, locally.

"However, many homeowners are not seeking advice about how they can stay in their homes and this may be because they are not aware of what help is out there, whether it be help in defending repossession action at court, or their eligibility for the mortgage rescue schemes."

She added: "Many people are having possession orders made against them when there may have been a way of resolving the issue.

"We urge anyone with a court hearing to attend the hearing and get advice from the duty adviser present on repossession days at all courts in North Yorkshire and York."

Anyone wanting further information about this new scheme, or advice about their housing situation, can contact the Housing Advice Resource Project on 01845 521458.