WYRE Forest District Council has been told it will be one of the first three authorities to receive help from an emergency team because it has cash blocked in collapsed Icelandic banks.

The authority is one of 13 who have said they may face short-term problems due to the crisis.

A joint statement from the Government and the Local Government Association released yesterday said: "Financial experts will be working with three of these councils from today and will report interim findings shortly.”

But Wyre Forest District Council leader John Campion said that it had not actually received a visit from the team or been told when it would arrive.

Coun Campion said: "In response to the letter sent to the Prime Minister last week, we understand that Wyre Forest will be one of the first councils to receive advice if required. The council is always receptive to any advice which will help in recovering the £9 million investment in the banks affected.

"At this stage, the council would wish to reassure everyone that there is no immediate concern over services and these will be maintained through the current budget provision. We are also continuing to work closely with the Local Government Association and the Government to ensure full recovery of our investments."

The LGA has identified more than 100 local authorities with £858 million invested in the banks - including Wychavon District Council which had £1.5m invested.