ST HELENS Council's trading standards service is advising householders not to pay over the odds for ground rent.

The warning coms after the council received complaints about a company in Surrey that was demanding payment for ground rent arrears going back to 1981.

Clr Mike Doyle, executive member for environmental protection, said: "The law only allows for a claim to be made going back six years and they can only claim the amount stipulated on the lease."

For advice call Nicki Rose at trading standards on 01744 456 487.