Basildon tenants are being reminded to get approval from the council before carrying out significant alteration works on their homes.

In extreme cases tenants can be made to hand in their tenancy and forced to pay back the cost of correcting the work.

Councillor Phil Turner, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and landlord services, is urging tenants to get approval before carrying out works.

He said: "The last thing we want is for tenants to have to pay back the cost of putting right work that has been carried out poorly and without permission.

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"We also don't want to be asking tenants to hand in their tenancy over such an avoidable issue.

"Any kind of structural work including, knocking down walls and fitting kitchens and bathrooms should be approved by the council first.

"In some cases it's even possible to claim up to £3,000 compensation for the cost of the work but only if permission is obtained first."

Approval for basic decorations and touching up is not required, however, it is essential to contact the council before carrying out timber deck flooring, fitting new kitchens and bathrooms and fitting additional electrical sockets.

Permission is also required for knocking down walls and internal structural alterations.

(CD)