RUNCORN householders are among those most at risk from house repossession, according to statistics which also show a worrying trend across North Cheshire.

The figures, published by the Department of Constitutional Affairs, show that there were 51 repossession orders launched in the county courts in the earlier part of this year - 14 more than in the same months of 2004.

Chester, too, saw a big rise in cases from 91 to 123, while North Cheshire as a whole saw increases of nearly a third.

Although most households do manage to settle their debts following this early appearance in court, the number of families who face losing their house is still alarming - with first-time buyers especially vulnerable and often ready to agree to any terms to secure their first house.

The figures are even more worrying when they come at a time when people are being repeatedly told how strong Britain's economy has become over the past eight years.

Instability caused by increases in interest rates has been blamed for the rise, with five increases between November 2003 and August 2004 and a seven-year peak reached in March this year.

Pressure put on inflation rates by higher oil prices and a tighter labour market have also been seen as contributory factors.

George Osborne, the new Shadow Chancellor, says more and more people are struggling to pay their bills.

'Almost every independent expert agrees that taxes will have to go up to pay for Mr Blair's excessive borrowing,' said the Conservative Cheshire MP.

The figures do not reveal the actual number of repossessions because, even after an order has been made, a person can still settle their debts and save their home.

Labour has been criticised for the dip in house prices in March - the lowest increase for 10 years and the lowest figure since Labour came to power.

House prices have generally been strong since 1997, with a recent survey by Find A Property showing the second highest average of price rises above inflation in the last 40 years.

The highest number of house repossession recorded came under a Tory government in 1991 when 75,000 homes were lost to repossession, a total yet to be beaten.

And if you think things can only get better, the Council of Mortgage Lenders warns people to think again.

It believes the actual seizure of homes from borrowers unable to keep up payments is set to rise this year by a whopping 34% and may even go as high as 10,700 cases in 2007.