SEVERAL vulnerable homeowners in Redditch have avoided repossession of their property thanks to a scheme which is part-funded by the council.

The Mortgage Rescue Scheme has helped five families from the borough keep a roof over their heads in the last six months by purchasing their properties.

The families, who were vulnerable or had children, were experiencing hardship or repossession and are now tenants at the same address.

The national Central Government initiative was jointly funded by Redditch Council which put £271,592 in the pot and the Homes and Communities Agency which invested £240,847.

This meant the council could purchase the five houses and bring them up to a decent homes standard. However the scheme has now ended.

Redditch Council leader, Councillor Bill Hartnett, said: "Since its launch in 2009, this scheme has helped thousands of vulnerable households to avoid homelessness, some of them in Redditch, so we didn’t hesitate when West Mercia asked us to help them deliver more rescues.

"I am delighted that we have been able to help these five homeowners who were in dire straits.

"As well as tackling homelessness, the scheme provided financial help towards each house purchase, so the council has been able to increase its housing stock in a really cost-effective way."

Any Redditch residents who face the threat of repossession can contact the Housing Options Team on 01527 764252 for a confidential chat about what to do next.