YOUR article “New figures show that nearly 10,000 children in Bury are trapped in problem debt” made for depressing but sadly unsurprising reading for us here at Bury District Citizens Advice.

Approximately one in four of the clients we have been advising since January live with dependent children, and the effect on parents’ financial worries on children cannot be underestimated.

In the weeks leading to Christmas, this situation is only likely to be exacerbated, given the additional pressures that families will be under.

We offer free, confidential and impartial advice to local residents on a wide range of issues including problem debt.

We have two specialist debt case workers funded via the Money Advice Service, so if you are affected by this and want to speak to one of our advisers to gain control of your finances, we have drop-in services available on Mondays from the council offices at Whittaker Street in Radcliffe and on Tuesdays from St John’s House in Bury.

Alternatively, you can call us between 10am and 3pm Mondays to Fridays on 0300 330 1153 or look at our new website burycab.org

David Bevitt

Chief officer

Citizens Advice Bury District