THURROCK has been identified as one of 56 “repossession hotspots” in the country.

Borough residents are considered to be at greater risk of losing their homes by the Government due to higher levels of unemployment and repossession court orders.

In light of the news Thurrock’s Citizens Advice Bureaux is launching a new campaign to help residents keep their homes in 2010.

Over the next month the bureau will be running a series of activities and events where families can get free face-to-face and impartial advice.

The aim is to give people information on managing and prioritising debt, and staying on top of paying their bills.

Mike Rawlings manager at Thurrock CAB said: “Many people face money worries immediately after Christmas and don’t know where to turn for help. Thurrock CAB has a number of experts offering free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of topics, particularly debt problems which are currently our number one issue. Anyone who is worried or concerned can either make an appointment to see one of our advisers or pop along to one of the many events we have lined up over the next month. We also have a number of leaflets and advice sheets available at the bureaux to take away if people would rather try to tackle the problem themselves. The worst thing people can do is bury their heads in the sand!”

On February 26 there will be stalls and displays in the Beehive centre on West Street in Grays.

Leaflets will be distributed in the borough with advice on debt and housing problems.

And a talk about debt and paying a mortgage will take place at the Aveley Discovery Centre February 22 and 24 between 9.30 and 12.00.

The bureau, a local charity, has advice sessions in Grays, Chadwell St Mary, Tilbury, Stanford le Hope, South Ockendon, Surestart Centres and GPs surgeries throughout Thurrock.