EAST Lancashire is a blackspot for financial hardship, new figures have revealed.

Two boroughs in the east of the county are in the top 10 for personal insolvencies in the North West.

Some 12,834 people in the North West became insolvent in 2016. Rossendale was ninth at 25.9 per 10,000 population, with Blackburn with Darwen 10th at 25.5.

The Hyndburn rate was 21.0, Burnley 20.1, Pendle 19.4 and Ribble Valley 16.4.

Blackpool had the highest level of personal insolvencies with a rate of 34.6.

The figures show the number of personal insolvencies in the region rose last year for the first time in six years.

The region’s insolvency rate of 22.8 per 10,000 population was up from 20.4 the previous year and was the highest of any region in the country except the North East.

The figures include bankruptcies, individual voluntary arrangements and debt relief orders.

Earlier this year, Blackburn MP Kate Hollern spoke in Parliament of her concern over debt levels in her constituency. Mrs Hollern told the Commons: “I can see the devastating effects of debt simply from my constituency case work.

“Blackburn, unfortunately, has more than 5,000 families living with debt problems.

“I have seen cases where a relatively small debt of a couple of hundred pounds has escalated to well over £1,000 in a very short time through court costs and bailiff costs.

“I have seen sad cases where people have actually lost their homes.”

Paul Barber, regional chairman of R3, the trade association for insolvency, restructuring, advisory and turnaround professionals, said: “Personal insolvencies are rising at a regional and national level.

“We urge people struggling with debt to seek professional help at the earliest stage.”