MORE than 200 families in Worcester had their homes repossessed in the first nine months of this year.

New figures from the Ministry of Justice show 237 mortgage repossession orders were made at Worcester County Court from January to September this year – a 19 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The rise has prompted the Legal Services Commission to launch a new emergency service with Worcester Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) to try and prevent people losing their homes.

Anyone who turns up for a repossession hearing at Worcester Combined Court will now be able to talk to a duty adviser who will represent them in front of the judge free of charge.

On Friday, your Worcester News reported the story of 47-year-old Beverly Day, who is now living with her two sons in one room in a bed and breakfast after her home in Dines Green, Worcester, was repossessed.

The family lost their home after Mrs Day’s husband, Jim, fell six months behind with the mortgage.

Ironically Mrs Day, a civil servant, is having to pay £720 a month to stay at the B&B, which would have covered her mortgage.

Another man has spoken about how he came close to having his home in Church Road, Rainbow Hill, Worcester, repossessed last year after he became ill and was unable to keep up with his mortgage payments.

The 47-year-old, who asked not to be identified, said: “It was a total nightmare, I got to the stage I was hiding behind the sofa with the lights out hiding from the people I owed money to.”

He eventually reached an agreement with the mortgage lenders 30 minutes before his court case, sold his home and re-paid his debts.

The organisations behind Worcester’s new emergency service hope others will be able to negotiate ways of keeping their homes Glyn Evans, regional director for the Legal Services Commission in the West Midlands, said: “We want to set up this emergency court scheme in Worcester and help more people keep their homes.

“I’m really pleased that we’ve teamed up with Worcester CAB to provide this new service. It’s our job to make sure that everyone has fair access to justice by working with skilled and dedicated advice providers. Homelessness has a devastating effect on people and their families, yet so many people arrive at court without legal help.”

The scheme in Worcester is one of 88 schemes operating in 118 courts across the country and is funded by the Legal Services Commission.

Michael Gardner, manager at Worcester CAB, said: “This timely intervention of making resources available to people and families who are extremely vulnerable and in danger of losing their homes, will make a real difference.”

Anyone experiencing financial difficulties should contact Worcester CAB on 01905 611371 or by visiting worcestercab.org.uk. Alternatively, contact the Community Legal Advice helpline on 0845 3454345 or by visiting communitylegaladvice.org.uk.