A CONSUMER watchdog outfit is gearing up to provide vital advice to residents who may have received a shock request for ground rent arrears.

Just before Christmas, a number of homes in the Queens Park area of St Helens received letters asking them to pay ground rent arrears, some dating back as far as May 1981, within just 14 days.

Although the total amounts due are usually less than £30, this can be a significant amount for some people -- particularly pensioners -- at this time of year.

Councillor Terry Hanley, Portfolio member for Environmental Protection, said: "Residents who have a leasehold on their properties, are obliged to pay ground rent to the freeholder. However, the law only allows a claim to be made for arrears going back six years. The company involved has been advised of this.

"Residents are advised to pay the outstanding amounts back to November 1994. If the original bill was for just over £30, this should reduce it to just below £10."

Anyone who has received a letter requesting ground rent arrears should contact Nicki Rose at St Helens Trading Standards office on (01744) 456487 or by email on nickirose@sthelens.gov.uk