More than 1,400 people who owe money have been summonsed to appear before Margate magistrates in Kent as part of a crackdown by Thanet District Council.

In total, they owe �489,108.63, with some being told to pay an additional �20 where summonses have been issued.

Councillor Martin Wise said: "If people do not take action now to tackle their debts, they will continue to increase."

He added: "We are not looking to target those who cannot pay and I would encourage anyone who wants to discuss their debts or needs additional time to pay to contact our debt management unit which can help them."