PEOPLE who might otherwise have become homeless when the final tower blocks are demolished on the Housing Action Trust (HAT) estates have been rehoused thanks to a special scheme.

The Look Ahead Rehousing Service has been helping the HAT to find homes for more than 200 non-secure temporary tenants who have been living in the blocks.

Many are vulnerable and have special needs mental illnesses or chronic disabilities, for example and could have become homeless.

The service helped these people through every step of the rehousing process from the day they received their notices to quit.

It worked closely with individuals to assess their housing and other needs, advised them on presenting themselves to other housing providers, went with them to view alternative accommodation and helped them accept offers and sign tenancy agreements.

In addition, Look Ahead carried out advocacy work on behalf of the tenants with agencies such as the DSS, social services and the homeless people's unit.

It also helped people tackle rent arrears problems.

Donna Yorke, manager of the Look Ahead team, said: "We have helped some very vulnerable people to sort out social, financial and health problems, which they might never have coped with alone.

"We have been fortunate in receiving excellent support in our task from other agencies."

As a thank you to their partners, Look Ahead and the HAT held a celebratory lunch at the end of last month. The programme has cost the HAT about £200,000 over the past three years.

HAT chief executive Mike Wilson said: "As far as we are concerned, this sum represents value for money and has saved the taxpayer a considerable amount.

"The success of the Look Ahead Service has been crucial in allowing our redevelopment programme to proceed according to timetable and preventing costly delays.

"Equally, as an organisation committed to building and empowering successful communities, we could not allow ourselves to be a catalyst for further homelessness.