More than 1,500 people have sought help and advice on housing in Shropshire over the past year as the economy continues to flatline, a charity said today.

The Shropshire Housing Alliance said in its annual report the type of person seeking assistance had changed over the past two years as more and more people battle mortgage or rent arrears and spiralling debts.

Alliance chairman James Wood said: “The people who come to us have traditionally been the more vulnerable.

“But now they’re my neighbours, your neighbour.

“We’re helping more people now and we’re giving more advice than we ever have.

“Cases vary from the homeless and vulnerable to those who have a roof over their head and are about to lose it.

“The recession is really hurting society far more than anyone would have thought,” he added.

According to the report, ‘many of the clients coming to the project for help are having problems with mortgage, rent arrears or spiralling debts caused by changes to their financial situation’.

The main reasons for seeking help include parental eviction, overcrowding, the breakdown of a relationship, receiving a notice to quit or leaving an institution such as a hospital or the care system.

The Shropshire Housing Alliance, which is partly funded by Shropshire Council, has 62 volunteers and helps the homeless and those in housing need.

This year it has seen 1,525 new cases, more than half of which were women. Last year it handled 1,396 cases.

This year the charity assisted 207 people aged between 16 and 17, 514 people between 18 and 24, and 804 people aged 25 or over.

The alliance includes the North Shropshire Furniture Scheme, which collects and distributes furniture to those on low incomes.

For further details on the Shropshire Housing Alliance, visit the website www.SHAlliance.org.uk or call (01743) 341900.

By Andrew Owen