TENANTS who refuse to pay their rent in Hartlepool have been given a warning by council officials.

The council has already reduced arrears from £745,000 to £718,000 since April, but has pledged to keep up the pressure on deliberate non-payers, warning that they could face eviction.

However, residents facing genuine financial hardship have been assured that every effort will be made to help them.

Anthony Scarre, housing manager for the north area of Hartlepool, said: "It is important to stress we can only help people who are having problems paying their rent if they let us know first.

"They should go to their local neighbourhood office and ask for an appointment. A specific member of staff will then be assigned to their case and that is the person they will deal with at all times."

Latest statistics show that in the first six months of this financial year, 13 tenants were evicted for rent arrears while suspended eviction orders were obtained against a further 53 tenants.

Mr Scarre said: "Whilst we make every effort to assist people genuinely in need of help, tenants need to clearly understand that payment of rent is a crucial part of their tenancy agreement."