Plans for a 'Gateway' service will come into effect on Wednesday at the centre behind 4 Park Street in town, whereby all clients will be given a short, ten-minute assessment before receiving an appointment.

Currently clients experience long waiting times and are frustrated at being turned away when there are no appointments available. Introducing a Gateway assessor will ensure clients are seen by the most appropriate adviser for their needs, which will make best use of the bureau's resources.

Selby CAB manager Linda Slough said: "The introduction of Gateway assessment for all clients will improve the accessibility of our service, enabling us to see more people and reducing the waiting time for clients at the same time.

"As people on low and moderate incomes are struggling to make ends meet at a time of increasing uncertainty about the security of their jobs and incomes, access to reliable, high quality, free, independent advice has never been more vital."

Call 08451 203718 for further information.