WITH Christmas just weeks away it is tempting to pay for expensive presents with a credit card and worry about the bill later.

British consumers have run up a collective credit bill of billions in recent years, but Vale residents are now being encouraged to think now and pay later. Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standards is launching a new campaign urging people to be credit aware before signing agreements.

Trading standards advisor Alison Cornelius ( pictured bottom right) said: "We are not trying to stop people taking out credit agreements - but what we are saying is make sure you understand what you are committing to.

"In the run up to Christmas it is easy to sign when you have a salesman hovering over you and a stack of shopping to get done, but any genuine company would be happy for you to have time to think things over. At the end of the day you are the one who has to pay it back."

Organisers fear many people are unaware of their rights when they sign up to credit agreements. Many assume 'cooling off' periods and get-out clauses apply to all contracts, when actually they are only part of certain agreements.

Throughout October bus adverts will be run on routes around the county encouraging consumers to think before they sign on the dotted line. Extra information is also available on the trading standards website and advice line. There is also advice about who to contact if anyone suspects they have been a victim of a credit scam.

Evesham's Citizens Advice Bureau is one organisation that regularly deals with people who find themselves with financial problems. Advisors are on hand to deal with the practical issues of debt, as well as the emotional effect it can have on people's lives.

Deputy manager Margaret Dirby said: "We would always recommend that people read the small print and be careful about what they are signing up for. They need to remember that whatever they borrow is going to have to be paid back.

"I know it is very difficult not to use credit in the run up to Christmas but if people find they have debt problems they should seek advice. The point at which many people come to see us is when they get a court summons or a default notice, which asks them to pay the outstanding balance in full.

"Initially we ask people to complete a budget form to fill in their income and essential expenditure. They need to make sure they pay rent, council tax or mortgages before they start paying off creditors. If there is money left we would negotiate with creditors to see if they would accept a certain amount.

"The one thing we do stress is not to bury your head in the sand. It is easy to deal with debt problems at the early stages, rather than ignoring it. People are anxious and concerned when they owe money and don't know how to pay it back."

For more advice and information visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/tradingstandards or call 01905 765373.