THOUSANDS of children in Colchester are living in families trapped by debt, according to new research.

Figures released by The Children’s Society and the StepChange Debt Charity reveal there are 4,519 children across the borough being affected by ‘problem debt’ because families are failing to keep up with household bills and loan repayments.

The statistics show 2,594 families, or 18 per cent, are unable to pay a combined debt of almost £5 million.

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