Payday loans are a fast but often dangerous way to borrow money and can have damaging long-term consequences.

In the last 4 years across the UK, there has been a 10-fold increase in clients with payday loan debt, and this will only increase as more people feel the financial squeeze.

We strongly urge anyone experiencing difficulties with a payday loan or thinking of taking one out to visit their local Citizens Advice Bureau and get advice about alternatives. We can advise you on which debts to prioritise and your right to stop payday lenders taking money straight out of your bank account, as well as helping negotiate an affordable repayment plan with the lender on your behalf.

To make sure that people aren’t getting treated unfairly, Citizens Advice are monitoring how well pay day lenders are sticking to their Good Practice Customer Charter. You can play an important part in helping us monitor their behaviour by filling in the survey at www.adviceguide.org.uk. You’ll also find advice and template letters to send to the pay day loan company and to the financial ombudsman if you’ve been wrongly treated.

The crucial thing is to take action now and get back control of your finances.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is able to see clients in Ambleside by appointment on Thursdays at the Parish Centre, Vicarage Road. Contact Windermere CAB on 015394 46464 for an appointment.

Free, confidential advice and help is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, benefits, housing, employment and any other problems. You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person.

Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464. If you don't need us for advice, how about helping us by becoming a volunteer or making a donation? Not many people realize that we are a charity - see our website for details www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk