Tenants in Calne are being threatened with eviction due to a backlog of housing benefit claims at the district council.

Calne town councillor Mercy Baggs said three tenants on her ward had contacted her over the last few weeks because they had failed to receive payment.

She said North Wiltshire District Council was still processing claims from June.

Coun Baggs, of Priestley ward, said: "It is getting more and more difficult for people because they are getting in rent arrears. Some are even facing eviction."

She said Westlea Housing Association, which owns the homes, had been been very good about the problems but it was nevertheless very worrying.

A spokesman for the council said: "At the moment the team are dealing with an outstanding backlog of housing benefit claims. This is due to a turnover of staff.

"The team are currently working to process claims as quickly as possible and there are seven new staff who are being trained at the moment, who will complete their training over the next four weeks.

"In the meantime we would advise anyone who is experiencing problems with housing benefit to contact us to make us aware of their situation to prevent any threats of eviction."

People are advised to call the district council on (01249) 706111 or call in person to the reception at the council offices in Monkton Park, Chippenham.

Clive Cook, Housing Services Manager at Westlea Housing Association, said: "The ongoing difficulty we have is differentiating between true arrears cases and genuine benefit applications that are pending. We're doing our best to minimise inconvenience and distress to our customers and ensure that every case receives individual treatment."