Mrs Brazier's family said they were devastated by her death

South Derbyshire deputy coroner Dr Turlough Farnan said Beryl Brazier's death in April 2006 raised concerns about such debt demands.

Ms Brazier, 61, was found drowned in a lake near her home in Derbyshire.

Her daughter Susan Musk, from Midway, said better safeguards should be put in place to prevent such tragedies.

'Better controls'

Mrs Musk, 39, said the family had been devastated by the loss of their mother who had been sent demands for �17,000 in arrears when she owed just �400.

She said her mother had been very distressed at the letters and had paid the �400 she owed the bank back, along with a further �100.

"Her death has torn the family apart. She did everything she could to resolve the problem.

"There should be better controls to stop this happening again. My mum can't be the only one who this has happened to... we just don't want this to happen to another family," Mrs Musk said.

Dr Farnan recorded a verdict of suicide at an inquest in Derby on Friday.