PERSONAL debt levels in Warrington have soared by 44.6 per cent to £16,113 – almost nine per cent higher than the national average.

The average level of debt held by the town's residents, who are seeking help with their personal finances, has increased significantly throughout quarter two of the year, according to the UK's latest Personal Debt Index (PDI).

It found that individuals' average for 'unsecured debt' had a quarter on quarter increase of 44.6 per cent to £16,113, compared to a national average rise of 35.8 per cent.

'Unsecured debt' refers to any sum that is not protected by a guarantor or asset – it includes bank loans, credit cards and payday loans.

The PDI is compiled quarterly by Creditfix – the UK's largest insolvency practice – following a survey of more than 60,000 people across the country.

Creditflix chief executive Pearse Flynn said: "It's a really worrying sign that the level of personal unsecured debt is increasing, especially for those people nearing retirement age.

"It's plain to see that consumer borrowing is on the increase.

"In November 2016, we saw the fastest annual growth rate in consumer credit borrowing since a pre-recession 2005.

"The Bank of England continues to raise its concerns that consumers may be embarking on another credit binge.

"The danger is although debt levels for many currently remain affordable, should pressure on household expenditure begin to increase with rising inflation, sluggish wage increases or rising interest rates, the affordability of much of the consumer debt now being taken on could become a serious problem."

Steve Cullen, chief officer of Warrington Citizens Advice Bureau, said rising levels of personal debt 'remains a concern' for his team.

He added: "Demand for debt advice is our second highest category.

"In the last year clients sought assistance with personal, priority and non-priority debts exceeding £11 million.

"Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice.

"We are part of the Greater Merseyside Money Advice Partnership funded by the Money Advice Service.

"We provide a range of services from information through to specialist advice.

"We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and our specialist staff are all approved intermediaries with the Insolvency Service.

"We are able to provide advice and casework including formal and informal payment arrangements, debt relief orders and bankruptcy.

"We work with a range of partners including a trusted partner who provides assistance with individual voluntary arrangements."

For further information visit warrington-advice.org.uk.