A HARD-hitting poster campaign has been launched to warn council house tenants "Don't be next".

Bury Council is determined to tackle the problem of rent arrears among its tenants and in July alone, around 70 people were summoned before the courts as the council sought possession of their homes, following persistent non-payment.

Now, to further emphasise the council's stance, a series of high-profile information posters are going on show in the council's housing and cash offices, libraries, leisure centres and other public buildings.

Coun Mike Connolly, executive member for housing, health and social services, said: "We have already made it very clear that we do not want, or intend, to take action against anybody who may be experiencing genuine difficulty in meeting their rent payments. The individuals we are determined to crackdown on though, are those people who, quite simply refuse to pay."

He added: "Our new poster campaign highlights the fact that tenants who, for instance, go off on holiday this summer, ignoring their rent arrears, may well return to find they are losing their home."

Coun Connolly said that if tenants who have financial problems contact the council to sort them out at the earliest possible opportunity, then this need not happen.

Last year 55 tenants were evicted from their homes over rent arrears and this month alone 12 more face eviction.

Tenants who want support or advice should call 253 7052 or 253 7557.