POOLE Citizens Advice Bureau has seen a 66 per cent increase in appeals for help over the past year.

Managers say most of the enquiries have from newly unemployed people struggling to pay for commitments like mortgages – and then being caught up debt.

The Poole branch, based in Lagland Street, said it had 12,500 queries from 5,000 different people from April 2009 to April 2010, up from 7,500 the previous year.

“This last year has been busier than anyone can remember,” said manager Richard Bristow.

“It’s just been a steady rise in debt problems. People who were working and managing quite happily before the recession suddenly can’t cope with their financial commitments.”

The percentage of working age people in Poole claiming unemployment benefits has gone up from 1.1 in April 2007, to 2.8 in April in 2010.

The CAB has also been picking up human fallout from the job losses.

Judy Herring, Poole CAB’s advice service manager, said: “Financial uncertainty has led to relationship breakdowns and the separation of families.”

The charity said that, despite being busier than ever, it was worried that its main source of funding from Poole council will be reduced as public spending is cut.

“Our service is vital to those on low incomes and who are vulnerable”, said Mr Bristow.

“The CAB is often the first place many people turn to for help. We are grateful for the support of Poole council and can only hope they can continue to maintain our funding.”

Cllr Brian Leverett, leader of Poole council, said: “We have supported this valuable service for a number of years and currently have no plans to reduce funding.”

Bournemouth CAB managers were not available yesterday.