A PILOT scheme has been launched in Chester-le-Street, to try to prevent people becoming homeless.

The independent housing and homelessness service has been set up jointly by the Citizens' Advice Bureau in Chester-le-Street and the district council, to provide people with help and information that could prevent them becoming homeless. The CAB has appointed a housing advice worker to whom district council staff will refer people. People can also approach the service themselves.

Richard Owen, CAB manager, said: "Our advice is always independent and impartial."

The CAB is at 1a Front Street and is open between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays and 10am and 12.30pm on Fridays.