Sedgemoor struggles with debt (From Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News)

Sedgemoor struggles with debt

1:00pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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ALARMING figures reveal this week how thousands of people in Sedgemoor are facing redundancy or spiralling debt.

Statistics released by independent charity the Citizens Advice Bureau show almost 4,000 people in Sedgemoor sought help during the last financial year, with huge numbers of enquiries about employment and debt.

People across the district came to the bureau with debts totalling a staggering £5.2million - £2million more than the year before - at an average of almost £18,000 per person.

Joan Saddington, bureau manager, told the Weekly News: “Sedgemoor is struggling in the current recession.

“Some companies have been shutting down altogether and that has been having a disastrous effect.”

Employment enquiries rose during the year to 1,217 - 29% of them related to redundancy or dismissal.

Joan added: “At one stage it felt like every other client was coming to us about employment issues - mostly about redundancies.

“That leads very quickly to debt problems which in turn can lead to relationship breakdowns.”

The full effects of the economic climate are being felt by staff at the Citizens Advice Bureau situated in Bridgwater's Lions house in West Quay.

They told the Weekly News that debt, from loans, credit cards or other sources were causing huge problems.

Figures reveal 146 people were listed at repossession court hearings during the year.

Staff at the CAB have urged anyone struggling with debt, employment or other problems to get in touch with their advisors.

*What the CAB can do for you:

THE bureau assisted almost 4,000 clients across Sedgemoor during the last financial year, helping people out with debt advice, redundancy, benefits and legal issues.

It represented 57 clients at repossession hearings and achieved more than £570,000 in benefit income for clients.

There are outreach centres in Hamp, Bridgwater, and in Burnham and Highbridge.

The Sedgemoor CAB, in The Lions, West Quay, Bridgwater, is now opening longer hours - from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday, with extended 4pm to 6pm hours on Tuesday and Thursday.

The phone lines are open from 8am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and from 1pm to 4pm Monday to Thursday.

Doors and phone lines are also open from 10am to noon on Saturday.

What you can do for the CAB:

THE bureau is looking for advisors to help people in Sedgemoor cope with job losses, debt and other strains.

Marilyn, an advisor at the bureau, told the Weekly News: “At the moment we see people with issues such as redundancy and debt.

“It is very rewarding helping people out.

“I have been doing the job for years but have not lost my enthusiasm for it.”

Anyone who wants to find out more about work as an advisor, or wishing to donate to the charity, can call 01278-459009.

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