A DISABLED woman broke down in tears today as she spoke about rent arrears for a flat she never lived in.

Clara Jayes, 73 - pictured - says she is being 'persecuted' by Blackburn with Darwen Council for arrears of almost £275, which she claims she does not owe for a flat in Carluke Street, Blackburn.

The pensioner, who has now moved to Walton, Liverpool, was billed for one month's rent after accepting the ground floor flat in September.

She applied for it because she wanted to be closer to her daughter Sylvia, who lives in the Higher Croft area of the town.

Mrs Jayes, who is partially sighted and has arthritis and diabetes, said: "I only had the keys for three days before I gave them back. I never moved in because I realised it wasn't sheltered accommodation and would be no use with my health problems. "I thought that this cancelled everything but then I got a bill saying I owed £273.48. I've paid £50 to cover a week and I think I should be clear now. I'd never do anybody out of anything but I'm now classed as having arrears.

"I'm really upset and don't know which way to turn. I just want them to sort it out and say sorry."

Suzanne Halliwell, spokeswoman for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said Mrs Jayes had been offered and accepted several tenancies in the borough and on each occasion had given notice and returned to Liverpool.

She said: "On this occasion she accepted a flat in Carluke Street and costs were incurred in getting the property ready for her.

"The tenancy agreement was explained and she signed it before being given the keys to the flat.

"Under the terms of the agreement, a tenant must give four weeks' notice and Mrs Jayes became liable for rent.

"She returned to Liverpool but has now asked to return again to Blackburn and been told that she is not eligible to become a council tenant until these arrears are paid.

"She has begun to pay the money she owes and we have done all we can to accommodate her and meet her needs in the many dealings we have had with her over a long period of time."

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