Star date: 2nd December 2014

ONE SALFORD PERSON IN 63 AT RISK OF EVICTION

Salford has the second highest rate in the North West of people at risk of losing their home. A table compiled by homeless charity Shelter, based on data from the Ministry of Justice, shows that one person in every 63 is at risk of eviction, with over 1,500 possession claims launched during the last year.

Launching its Christmas appeal, Shelter blames high housing costs, and adds that in the North West as a whole over nine hundred children will wake up homeless this Christmas.

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Salford is a hotspot for people being put at risk of eviction or repossession, according to new data compiled by homeless charity Shelter. The statistics, based on possession claims issued in county courts, put Salford as the second worst area in the North West, with people having a one in 63 risk of losing their homes. The North West average is one in every 105 households.

Between 1st October 2013 and 30th September 2014, in Salford, 1,651 possession claims were lodged, the first stage in a court process which can end with the loss of a home.

"Imagine the panic of receiving a notice through the door saying that you could lose your home – that's the devastating reality for thousands of people every week" says Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter "The sky high cost of housing is making it harder and harder for families to keep a roof over their heads. And with the stakes so high, all it can take is one piece of bad luck to send a family spiralling towards homelessness."

Altogether in the North West, 180 people are put at risk of losing their home every day, and over 900 children in the North West will wake up homeless this Christmas, in temporary accommodation.

The figures are released as Shelter raises awareness of its services to help people in danger of losing their home. There's a helpline open 365 days a year, staffed by a dedicated team of fifty expert advisers who offer vital support and advice to homeless families and those still fighting to stay in their homes - 0808 800 4444

"Our advisers will be working non-stop this Christmas to support families who find themselves battling to keep their home - but our services are already over-stretched and we're struggling to meet the demand" explains Campbell Robb "We desperately need more support from the public to help us make sure no-one is left to fight homelessness on their own this Christmas."

Shelter is also launching its emergency Christmas appeal asking those who have no housing problems to donate via its website www.shelter.org.uk or text SHELTER to 70060 to donate £3.

* The worst place in the North West for people at risk of losing their home is Manchester with a one in 61 chance, taking Salford's `crown' as the worst place in the North West last year.