People juggling £3.7m of debt have sought help from an advice service.
Volunteers and staff from Colchester's Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) saw 350 new clients last year who were trying to cope with non-priority debts totalling £3.7m.
Trustee John Egan said it was too easy for people to get into debt.
He said: "People often come in at a stage where it's a bit late
"We advise them to come in as soon as possible, rather than wait for a visit from the bailiffs."
The service's annual report revealed it has seen a ten per cent increase in personal callers since moving into its new town centre base at Cornerstone in Sir Isaac's Walk.
There has also been a 25 per cent increase in the number of people getting advice over the phone.
Published Friday July 9, 2004
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