RESIDENTS who have been left in a financial hole by the expenditure of Christmas are being offered help.

Wigan Council has teamed up with Unify and the Citizens Advice Bureau to show them how they can clear debt and keep in the black in the future.

The council is warning residents against using a payday lender or loan shark and is instead urging people to apply for a cheaper loan through a credit union or seek advice for how to manage their finances.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for customer transformation, said: “Christmas is a time for giving but people can soon find their generosity can have a knock-on effect on their budgets.

"If you find that you are struggling with debt and are unable to manage repayments it is important to think about which debts you need to deal with first.

"There can be serious consequences to not paying your bills and we don’t want people falling into debt.

“We also want to encourage people who may find themselves struggling to control their gambling that there is support and counselling available for anyone whose habit is affecting their life.”

Empty shops in Leigh town centre have been covered with messages so residents know where they can get help.

For help and advice on how to manage your money and debt visit wigan.gov.uk/moneyadvice or stepchange.org.

To get support for gambling go to gamcare.org.uk or call Gamcare on 0808 8020 133.