THE Chancellor of Exchequer paid residents a visit to talk about the Government's new mortgage rescue scheme.

Alistair Darling visited residents in Granite Road, Plumstead, along with Labour's parliamentary candidate for Erith and Thamesmead, Teresa Pearce.

They discussed how the recession has affected residents and how to make use of a new initiative designed to help up to 6,000 UK residents facing repossession.

The scheme targets families with dependent children, as well as the elderly and other people in vulnerable circumstances.

Speaking afterwards Ms Pearce said: "I am very pleased that such a senior minister has visited Plumstead as its an area of south-east London which is often overlooked.

"I am hopeful we can make sure the residents of Plumstead, Abbey Wood and Thamesmead all benefit from being part of what is soon to be a royal borough."