Struggling homeowners offered advice

HOMEOWNERS having difficulty paying their mortgage are being offered a helping hand by West Lothian Council.

With the credit crunch causing problems for most homeowners, the council is reminding people that their Advice Shop could help them deal with any difficulty they are having meeting payments.

Andrew Binnie, the Advice Shop's senior money adviser, urged people to contact his service.

"We can negotiate with lenders on people's behalf, help them work out a realistic budget that the lender will accept and maximise their income if possible," he said.

Isabel Hutton, executive councillor for social policy, said: "This is a worrying time for some homeowners."

The Advice Shop can be contacted on 0800-328 9470 or e-mail [e-mail]