THE impact of the economic downturn can be seen in the growing numbers of Notts residents seeking help with debt problems.

Clients approaching Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) in the county for debt advice have increased by a half in the last six months.

Yet today we report that the seven CAB offices in Notts cannot cope with the numbers who need help.

One branch alone – in Beeston – is turning away 100 people a week.

That is a truly alarming figure.

For many the CAB is the first port of call in a crisis. There are reports that some clients have reacted violently after volunteers reluctantly turned them away.

As the recession takes hold it is important that this front line voluntary service is supported to expand its activities. National and local government are best placed to help.

Some money has already begun to flow. Government has increased its support to the Notts CAB offices and Notts County Council will agree to increase its annual contribution by 50% at a meeting tomorrow. These are welcome moves.

Local authorities can feel relatively powerless in the face of national economic strife but through the CAB there is the opportunity to provide practical help at a local level.

We would urge councils, despite their own financial difficulties, to find more funds to support the CAB. The expenditure will be of direct and vital benefit to their council tax payers during the difficult year that lies ahead.