FAMILIES throughout the area who receive annual ground rent bills are warned to make sure they pay up on time - or they could face extra costs.

In recent months families, who have lived in the same homes for years without hassle, have been hit with extra high accounts by new landlords because they missed their half-yearly deadlines.

Residents in Tyldesley, Hindley Green and now Astley have been hit and are furious that their new greedy land owners are turning the screw.

One resident in Purbeck Way, Astley, for 14 years says a new company took over the estate two years ago. Now people in the area have been warned that if they don't pay up the second half of their yearly bill before September 25 they face a £10 "fine" after that date rising to upto £50 the longer it gets.

New landlords are accused of not sending out reminders, something I suppose they are not obliged to do, but they are soon on the ball when arrears mount up.

It would seem they would like people to fall behind so they can claw in extra cash from the gullible. It's such easy money.

The obvious answer is: If you know you are liable to pay ground rent, then make sure your cheques are in the post before the deadline day, then everyone will be happy.

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