BURY Law Centre has spearheaded a successful case to stop a local tenant being evicted.

Housing adviser Praful Kalyan represented the client who was threatened with eviction because of a delay in housing benefit.

Mr Kalyan explained: "The landlord had issued possession proceedings on a tenant because of non-payment of rent. This was due to a delay in the tenant's housing benefit being processed."

After hearing the Bury Law Centre adviser, the judge did not grant a possession order. Instead, having heard the submissions, the judge dismissed the client's case in court with no order for costs.

Mr Kalyan said: "People understandably have a huge fear when their landlord or mortgage lender starts possession proceedings. For many people this is a traumatic experience, which sometimes leads to people becoming depressed and even suicidal."

"But many people living in rented accommodation can only be evicted if a possession order is granted by the court. They will usually be entitled to a written notice of the landlord's intention to seek possession and may be able to challenge this notice in court."

Bury Law Centre can represent people in court if they find themselves in this sort of situation. Advisers can provide free legal help and advice prior to the hearing and will try to negotiate with the landlord or the mortgage lender.

The centre urges anyone who faces the threat of eviction to seek their advice immediately. Advisers also offer help in other areas of law, specifically community care, immigration and employment.

People can contact the centre at Knowsley Street, Bury, by ringing (0161) 272 0666.