There has been a big increase in demand for the services of the Diss, Thetford and District Citizens Advice Bureau during the last year. In 2007/2008 there were 20,763 direct contacts with clients and 14,316 contacts with others on behalf of clients.

THERE has been a big increase in demand for the services of the Diss, Thetford and District Citizens Advice Bureau during the last year.

In 2007/2008 there were 20,763 direct contacts with clients and 14,316 contacts with others on behalf of clients.

This represents a total increase of 58pc on 2006/2007 and a "huge" amount of

extra work, despite restrictions at Diss due to building work.

The bureau dealt with more than 16,000 issues for local people, raising nearly £700,000 in increased income and supporting clients dealing

with more than £7m of debt.

The bureau's annual meeting will be on Wednesday, October 1, at 3pm, at Cloverfield Community Hall, Rosecroft Way, Thetford. Anyone interested in the

work of Diss, Thetford and District CAB is welcome to attend.