FORMER MG Rover workers have been given another helping hand following assistance with council tax.

Now the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, which is responsible for 3,200 homes in the district, has given affected tenants the chance to defer their rent payments.

The housing trust is offering all tenants who worked at MG Rover a break from rent payments to help them while they search for a new job and apply for benefits.

Affected workers in Bromsgrove have also been given the option to defer their council tax payments for four weeks by local authority finance chiefs.

Marie Green, BDHT's tenancy and customer services manager, said: "The last thing we want is for people to have to borrow money to pay their rent. We fully understand that it now might be difficult for them to meet this obligation.

"The MG Rover staff have enough worries on their plate, so we urge all employees affected to get in touch and see how we can help."

The rent will have to be paid back in full once tenants receive housing benefit or alternative employment.

BDHT has also teamed up with the Citizens Advice Bureau to send out information packs containing hotline numbers and helpful advice to its tenants.

The help comes after members of staff were flooded with calls from people who are facing problems making rent payment after the collapse of MG Rover.

Tenant Gary Tedstone, from Bromsgrove's Housman Close, found himself redundant after 15 years at MG Rover. He said: "When you're working you just get used to getting in your money every week and paying the bills. Now we are just going through the motions and waiting to hear what will happen.

I never thought it would come to this. It's like going back to 1987 again. I've got to start from scratch."

Former MG Rover workers who want help and advice on rent payment should contact the tenancy services team on 01527 557557 or visit the BDHT offices in Avon House, Stoke Road, Buntsford Gate.