ONE in 91 homes in Blackburn with Darwen are at risk of being repossessed, according to new figures from homeless charity Shelter.

The authority had the ninth worst rating in the North West according to the figures, which were based on Ministry of Justice data.

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The figures have been taken from the number of possession claims issued in county courts between October 1, 2013, and September 30 this year, which showed 631 homes were repossessed during that time.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Kate Hollern said: “It is really sad to see people in that situation.

“We do have a homeless strategy but the bedroom tax is catching a lot of people out.

“If anyone finds themselves in this situation, they should ring the council as soon as possible and we will do all we can to help.”

The borough was followed by Chorley in 14th (one in 107), Hyndburn in 19th (one in 120), Rossendale in 22nd (one in 129), Burnley in 27th (one in 153), Pendle in 30th (one in 165) and Ribble Valley the second lowest in 38th with one in 304 homes repossessed.

Manchester topped the list with one in every 61 homes at risk of eviction or repossession.

The charity has warned that sky-high housing costs are leaving more and more families teetering on a financial knife-edge.

With little or no savings to fall back on, just one thing, such a sudden illness, can be all it takes to tip a family into a downward spiral towards losing their home, the charity said.

Campbell Robb, Shelter chief executive, said: “Imagine the panic of receiving a notice through the door saying that you could lose your home – that’s the devastating reality for thousands of people every week.

“The sky high cost of housing is making it harder and harder for families to keep a roof over their heads. And with the stakes so high, all it can take is one piece of bad luck to send a family spiralling towards homelessness.

“We desperately need support from the public to help us make sure no-one is left to fight homelessness on their own.”