VICTIMS of the economic downturn are being urged to turn to Gravesham Council for help.

The council has launched its Turn To Us campaign, which offers free help to residents and asks them to get in touch as soon as financial problems arise.

Assistance is available on issues including council tax, housing benefits, rent arrears, debt counselling, redundancy, finding jobs and training, property repossession and homelessness.

Council leader Councillor Mike Snelling said: “We are doing everything we can to help, and we are encouraging people to Turn To Us as early as possible so they can receive the help and information available to them.

“The message is act now, don’t wait until it’s too late.”

The council is also encouraging local businesses to contact them for financial advice as the economy heads into a recession.

Earlier this month councillors met with representatives from local companies and drew up an action plan to overcome the downturn in trade.

This includes launching Shop Smart Gravesend, a campaign which aims to persuade residents to shop locally rather than go out of town.

Cabinet member for business Councillor Bryan Sweetland said: “We are stressing that people should Shop Smart by using local shops, especially in Gravesend town centre.

“Not only is it often more convenient to stay in town to shop, it is usually just as cheap. Many shops offer facilities to order from a wider range of goods and collect at the local store. This boosts local trade.”

Despite the current downturn, Cllr Snelling said: “The long term prospects for growth and investment remain good for Gravesham.”

He said developer Edinburgh House’s plans for a £150m regeneration of the town centre, as well as the introduction of high speed rail links between Gravesend and London later this year, are signs of a bright future.

More information on Turn To Us