A TEAM of experts will run a series of recession advice clinics to help people in South Gloucestershire cope during the credit crunch.

The sessions will start next week, with people available to give information on housing, debt, employment and benefits.

Economic development, healthy eating and giving up smoking are other areas to be covered at the events, which start on Thursday, July 30, in Kingswood Civic Centre.

They will run for three hours from 4pm.

Councillor John Godwin, who heads the council's economic taskforce, said: "Whether they want to cut outgoings by reducing food and energy bills or giving up cigarettes, or need help finding a job or a home, there will be organisations who can offer assistance."

Among those taking part will be Avon and Bristol Law Centre, Age Concern, Bristol Debt Advice Centre and Job Centre Plus.

Dates and venues for other sessions are to be announced.

The event is the latest idea from the council to help residents and businesses.

Other steps include cutting the time the council takes to pay its small suppliers and contractors, agreeing to take on more trainees and apprentices and producing a new South Gloucestershire business directory to promote local firms.

Business rates bills are sent out with information on help available to companies and new signs to attract more visitors to Chipping Sodbury will be sited on the A46.

The council has also started a £64.9million capital building programme this year, which will provide new business for the economy.