A LIFELINE that helps vulnerable residents tackle a myriad of complex problems has been secured.

Knutsford Town Council pledged to support the Citizens Advice service for a further four years at a full council meeting.

Councillors agreed to renew a funding agreement to ensure the that the twice weekly service continues, at a cost of £88,386 for the next four years.

The breakdown works out at £21,444 for 2024/25, £21,874 for 2025/26, £22,311 for 2026/27 and £22,757 for 2027/28.

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Councillors pledged their support for the service and said it played a vital role in the local community.

Cllr Scott Lowe said: “I think this is a worthy cause that helps a lot of people in Knutsford who really need help.

“People are in debt and suffer mental health and physical health issues, often the most vulnerable people in our society.”

The service is free, impartial and confidential and covers all issues that impact on people’s lives.

Cllr Jennifer Forrest said: “This service is invaluable for people who need it.

“For many who literally run out of where to turn to or what to do, to have someone put you in the right direction is such a relief.

“It stops people going over a precipice.”

The service offers face-to-face appointments at the town council offices on Toft Road on Wednesday between 9.45am and 1pm and on Friday from 9.45am to 12 noon.

Appointments and a drop-in session are available at The Welcome on the last Friday of the month from 9.45am to 12 noon.

In a detailed report to the council, Will McKellar, chief officer of Citizens Advice Cheshire East North, said: “The issues that CAB deals with in Knutsford are invariably complex.

“For example, welfare rights, out of control debts, poor health, disrepair in housing, relationship break down, fraud and challenging immigration problems.

“We adopt a holistic approach and so one client may present with a single issue that may be the symptom of another.”

“CAB will deal with the causes and the symptoms and help clients plan for the future."

The town's 'apparent affluence', he said, suggests that there is no need for support from services like this.

But the figures speak for themselves with around 12 per cent of the population turning to CAB in times of need over the past four years.

“Many of the issues we deal with, relationship breakdown, poor health, loss of employment, fraud or immigration, are no respecter of a person’s financial worth," said Mr McKellar.

“CAB Knutsford is a service that you would hope you never had to use but are very grateful that it is there when you do.”

The service is overseen by a paid member of staff who is a qualified and highly experienced supervisor and a general adviser, supported by a team of qualified and experiences volunteer generalist advisers.

All advisers attend training courses to keep up-to-date with changes in regulations and services.