RENT collection times have been changed in Deepdale's council estates, following a security scare involving a collector.

But a Preston councillor believes the change - to fortnightly collections -has been made without enough consultation with residents.

Coun Terry Cartwright says a letter sent to Deepdale residents told them of new collection times on three estates - which poses a security problem in itself.

Coun Cartwright said: "The change in rent collection dates has been done without consultation.

"The Preston Tenants' Liaison Forum wasn't even told about it.

"We got a letter telling us the change was happening due to an incident with a collector. It was sent to all residents who pay their rent from home - containing details of the collection dates, times and places.

"There has been no item relating to this on our agendas.

"Deepdale has no housing office so people worried about having two weeks' rent in their homes have to go to town to pay it."

Peter Deacon, head of the borough's housing, said: "We have been wanting to make changes to collection dates because of concerns over staff safety. We took a letter to every tenant last week and we haven't had any adverse comments back."

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