EAST Lancashire has some of the highest rates of home repossessions in the country, a survey revealed yesterday.

The research by homeless charity Shelter found three boroughs were in the top 50 worst places to live when it comes to tenants being evicted from their properties.

In Blackburn with Darwen during 2010/11, 220 possession orders were filed by the council.

The figure gave the borough a repossession rate of 4.77 per 1,000, the 21st worst in the country.

Pendle (4.52 per 1,000) and Burnley (4.36) were also in the top 50 nationally.

The other East Lancashire rates were: Rossendale, 4.12 per 1,000; Hyndburn, 4.00; Ribble Valley, 1.92.

Shelter chief executive Campbell Robb said: “This research paints a frightening picture of repossession hotspots across the country where homeowners are literally on the brink of losing the roof over their head.

“We know only too well that the combined pressures of high inflation, increased living costs and stagnant wages are really taking a toll on people.”

The worst repossession hotspot in the UK was Corby, East Midlands, with a rate of 7.56 per 1,000.

Top of the North West table was Knowsley with 5.68.