School play warns about loan sharks

A MODERN twist on the classic “A Christmas Carol” saw youngsters warning about the dangers of loan sharks.
Children at Brook Acre Primary School, Hilden Road, Padgate, performed the Charles Dickens favourite. At the same time they raised awareness of the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks.
The production was created by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, who specialise in investigating and prosecuting unlicensed lenders, and its partners including theatre company Altru Drama.
Altru Drama’s creative team worked with the youngsters to develop the script and create a performance that would benefit the school and community.
The team, working with Warrington Trading Standards, are warning people to avoid illegal and unlicensed lenders, especially during the festive season.
Altru worked with Year 5 pupils for six weeks to prepare for the performance. The children learned about the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks and now know how to spot and report them.
Cllr David Keane, the borough council’s executive member for public protection said: “It is great to hear how pupils have learned so much about the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks by putting on this play. It will help prepare them for dealing with their own finances in future years.”