Funding for downturn initiatives

More than £85,000 is being put into a number of schemes in North Wiltshire, to help people who are struggling with the economic downturn.

The district council funded initiatives include a series of "credit crunch clinics" to advise local businesses.

And the area's Citizens' Advice Bureau has been awarded £38,000 for an extra debt case worker to help individuals.

North Wiltshire Credit Union has been given £8,000 for a new computer system allowing it to offer debt management.

Little comfort

The Credit Union is a local savings and loans scheme, which offers lower borrowing interest rates and has fewer penalties that High Street banks.

The funding has been put forward despite a council-commissioned report suggesting North Wiltshire is not expected to feel the impact of the downturn as badly as in most areas of the UK.

Council leader Dick Tonge, said: "The state of the economy affects us all.

"Although the report we commissioned seems to indicate the effect will be felt less in North Wiltshire, that is of little comfort to individuals and businesses that may already be finding it difficult.

"It is for that reason we have adopted an innovative approach to providing help for both individuals and businesses with a range of practical solutions that will improve access to advice and guidance aimed at reducing the impact of the recent economic downturn on our community."