THE number of County Court Judgements issued by courts in Stourbridge have soared by 75pc in the first quarter of this year according to credit reference agency Callcredit.

Owen Roberts, head of Callcredit Check, said: "The rising cost of living and increases in mortgage rates appear to be hitting residents in Stourbridge hard, and are no doubt a contributory factor to the rise in County Court Judgements (CCJs) being issued.

He urged consumers to check their credit report as the first step towards getting a fuller picture of their financial situation.

He added: "If circumstances are becoming unmanageable, borrowers should contact their lender or an organisation such as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service to obtain independent advice on the best way forward."