MORE council tenants will be dragged to court as housing bosses try to claw back massive rent arrears.

They have promised tougher action in the wake of a scathing report by independent inspectors.

The Best Value inspection team gave the rent collection service the lowest "poor, no stars" rating. Rent arrears had gone up by 25 per cent since last year, to £2.3 million.

Since January, the courts have granted the council 72 possession orders, and nine evictions have taken place.

A further 19 cases were held at Bury County Court last Friday (March 15), with an additional 26 hearings held this week.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for housing, said: "Court action is a last resort, but we will use it against tenants who consistently refuse to pay their rents or reduce the arrears owed to us.

"Former tenants who still owe money should not think that they have avoided their obligations either. Where they are traceable, we will take action." Coun Connolly said the council's improvement plans were already having an impact with rent arrears had come down by £100,000 since the start of the year.

"We have a long way to go, but I am confident that we can deliver the changes expected of us," he said.

"Some tough decisions and action will be necessary. We will continue to work with tenants who have financial difficulties.

"However, for that minority who just won't pay, we will do everything within our powers to obtain the money we are owed."

He urged residents who had financial difficulties to contact the council and work out a deal before the problem escalated.