A NEW hardline rent regime introduced at Christmas had paid off for a community housing group which has since received more than £20,000 in arrears.

Burnley and Padiham Community Housing, which owns the former council house estates in the area, said the cash boost would now lead to extra money being spent on local services.

The long-awaiting pay day for the non-profit making organisation came after it issued a written warning in a letter to all tenants who owed them money.

The stark note said residents could expect no sympathy if they did not clear rents arrears before, during and after the Christmas period.

Residents were also warned that eviction could follow if they did not take steps to settle their debts.

Paul Buckley, director of housing and regeneration, said: "The letter prompted excellent news coverage which in turn resulted in many tenants taking the message to heart and contacting the company to make arrangements to pay off their arrears.

"Cash payments over the Christmas and New Year period increased substantially, with many tenants clearing their accounts completely.

"This is really good news for every customer because as a non-profit making company all this additional money will be spent on services to tenants."

Income over the holiday period when there is a two week "rent free" break for those who are paid up was £20,000 up on the previous year, an increase of 52 per cent.

Mr Buckley added: "Tenants who do not pay their rent are a drain on the resources of the company and cannot be ignored.

Eviction, he said, was a traumatic experience for a family and not something which the company took lightly.

He added: "Eviction can be avoided if tenants act early on the advice they receive from our payment advice team. They must make rent paying a priority."

Last year the company evicted 14 families for rent arrears.