Bolton church centre offers help to escape debt
A NEW debt counselling service has opened in Bolton as figures show that more people in the borough are sliding further into the red.
Figures show more than 700 people in Bolton were threatened with having their homes repossessed last year
Latest statistics show that personal debt in the UK is currently £1.4 trillion.
In response the growing numbers of people being trapped by debt, Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a national debt counselling service, has opened an office in partnership with the Bolton-based Bridge Church and Centre, in Bradford Street.
It is designed to complement work done by organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and is open to everyone regardless of their religion or background.
Anna Wynn, the head of the new centre, said: "Debt is an increasing problem in our society but individuals can receive the help and support they need through CAP's work."
The service aims to work out a realistic budget for clients by negotiating with creditors to ensure people are debt-free within four years.
It also offers insolvency services and a CAP account., which is like a bank account to help people pay their priority debts.
Mrs Wynn, a former banker, said that Bolton was chosen as part of a rolling programme to have such a service in every major town and city in the next three years.
Mrs Wynn, who is from Harwood, stressed that Bolton's "debt problem" was no different to those of other areas.
She said: "The worst thing someone in debt can do is stay silent.
"I would urge anyone in financial difficulty in the area to contact us to discuss their situation.
"Being in debt is nothing to be ashamed off and we can work together to provide a lasting solution."
The service is running now but will be officially launched on May 18.
To contact CAP, call on 01204 361704.
4:09pm Friday 9th May 2008
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