Published at 16:24, Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Citizens Advice South Lakeland is to close, its chairman has announced today.

John Dersley said the bureau has had funding issues that have made it unsustainable, and the trustee board has appointed an insolvency practitioner to oversee the wind-down of the service.

He said: “It is with great regret that I have to announce that Citizens Advice South
Lakeland is to close.

“The bureau has become financially unviable due to a complex range of factors.

"There has been no reduction in our funding from South Lakeland District Council, but the bureau has been facing financial pressures because other funding has come to an end and, despite the bureau’s best efforts, in the current climate it has been difficult to find replacement funding.

“We cannot yet confirm a closure date, but we expect this to be within the next few weeks. We will make a further announcement as soon as we have a definite date.

“We are only too aware that high quality, free, independent advice is an essential service for the local communities in Kendal and Ulverston, especially as people struggle to cope in the current economic climate.

"Trustees of the bureau and national Citizens Advice are therefore working very closely with South Lakeland District Council, other funders, and neighbouring bureaux to try and ensure people living in South Lakeland continue to have access to CAB advice.

"Interim service plans will be announced as soon as these are available.

“Volunteers and paid staff at the bureau have been informed of the situation. The Trustees would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers of the bureau for their tremendous hard work, dedication and commitment in difficult circumstances.

"We would also like to thank South Lakeland District Council and other funders for their continuing support.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk