Residents hit by debt problems

A CHARITY has issued a Christmas warning to cash-strapped Oldham residents.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) says household budgets are under pressure across Oldham.

The average local person who asks for help with debt problems is £8 short of the amount needed to cover even basic living expenses a month — and the added pressures of Christmas will push many further into the red.

Over 980 Oldham people owing an average of almost £18,500O on credit cards and other debts contacted CCCS for advice last year.

The charity recently revealed that the number of local people asking for help had risen by over a third in two years.

Delroy Corinaldi, CCCS director of external affairs, said: “I urge anyone who is in this position to seek free advice from a debt charity such as CCCS as early as possible. Don’t leave it until January to seek help.”

CCCS provides free debt advice on its telephone helpline (0800 1381111) and an online debt-counselling tool at www.cccs.co.uk.