A CHRONIC personal debt crisis is growing in deprived areas of Oxford, the new manager of an advice service has warned.

Clare Charleson said the Agnes Smith Advice Centre in Blackbird Leys, which she took charge of last month, got more than £910,000 of personal debt written off last year for clients.

The sum was more than double the amount the Blackbird Leys Road centre helped write off five years ago – £450,000.

It mainly helps clients who have no money left, by approaching creditors to write off the debt, or helping people apply for bankruptcy.

It is funded by the city and county councils.

Last year the centre took on a record high of 2,500 clients, 1,820 more than it had five years ago.

The majority are from Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys. However, Mrs Charleson said that enquiries were pouring in from across Oxford.

One of her first acts upon taking charge was to add more sessions for those worried about money.

She said: “After a short assessment we expanded and made more times available for appointments.

“It’s a time of huge change and there is so much pressure on people today, people have less money to live on.It is only going to get worse given all the changes to legal aid.

“There is a real risk of people slipping through the safety net.

“The amount of loan sharks, doorstep and payday loan companies operating now is a problem.”

She said people were often afraid to speak out and this made the problems worse. She said: “We want anyone who has debt worries to come forward before it is too late. “There is no shame in asking for help.

“Don’t get into a complete state, and don’t panic.”

She is hoping changes in legislation will help the centre work more closely with Oxford City Council to expand the services it offers.

The centre, which has four advisers, is now receiving referrals from Oxford and Abingdon Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

It also has outreach advisers who can visit disabled clients at their home, or in hospital.

Chairman of the Agnes Smith Advice Centre trustees Paul Dorman said: “We are delighted to welcome Clare and recognise this is a very challenging time for many people at the moment.

“Given the difficulties in the economy and the cuts to benefits we recognise the importance of delivering this type of help.”

Mrs Charleson, a mother of three, is a trained solicitor and has worked for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Oxfam.

She has lived in Oxford for more than 20 years.

The former manager of the centre, Jim Saunders, retired following a bout of ill health.

See blackbirdleysnss.co.uk or call 01865 770206