A CITIZENS Advice Bureau manager has urged the Government to support the charity amid widespread closures.

Rhonda Starling, strategic manager for Tendring CAB, warned the picture in the district is getting worse.

The Tendring bureau renegotiated debt for people who owed a total of nearly £3.5million last year.

Mrs Starling says this year’s figure is set to hit record levels.

She fears centres in Tendring will join the growing list of locations nationwide that have closed in the last few months.

There are claims they have been forced out by the introduction of the Government-backed Community Legal Advice Centre.

Mrs Starling, said: “To lose centres at this stage would be catastrophic.

“The Government and people should consider the wider contribution the CAB brings to the local communities as well as policy making.”

Last year in Tendring, 54 per cent of people seeking advice wanted help with benefits and debt problems.

Residents also came to the charity with other problems including housing, employment, legal and discrimination.

There are more than 50 volunteers in Tendring, backed up by more than 20 paid-for staff and specialists.

Some help as receptionists, others train as advisers for as many hours a week as they can afford.

Anyone who wants to get involved, or make an appointment should call 0844 4770808.