AN action plan to help combat poverty in Droitwich has been launched by the area's largest landlord.

Spa Housing Association, which manages about 2,700 homes around the town, is aiming to help people on the lowest incomes.

The new plan involves providing housing management services from its Westlands housing office, and launching a freephone number for reporting repairs.

Anti-poverty issues will also be considered when reviewing housing management policies.

Spa director Clare Huyton said there were areas of concern in the area, and the majority of tenants received housing benefit.

"We have a range of measures which we use to help improve the quality of life for residents, such as setting affordable rents, giving advice about arrears and benefits, and supporting employment initiatives," she said.

"However, we want to take a more strategic and focused approach to combating poverty, and to do this, we must target resources, improve access to services and review practices."