HOMEOWNERS in West Devon who are worried about maintaining their mortgage payments can get free advice and help from a new service.

West Devon Borough Council, through the Devon Strategic Housing Group and local debt advice charity Homemaker Southwest, will offer free, independent and confidential advice to home owners about managing their mortgage payments during the current economic climate.

The new Devon-wide service has funded an advisor who will discuss what options may be open to home-owners to enable them to remain in their homes. However, it is important that home owners seek advice as early as possible.

Amy Pamphilon of Homemaker Southwest said: 'For many people, the temptation may be to ignore the problem until one or two payments have been missed and the lender has then written threatening court action.

'However, often by this stage, the options may already be more limited. This new service is trying to encourage people to seek help at the earliest opportunity whilst there is still room for negotiation with the lender.'

A helpline 01392 686 760 will give worried home owners and landlords initial advice about their options as well as a free, comprehensive advice pack.

For more information about Homemaker visit http://www.homemakersw">www.homemakersw.

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