WARRINGTON’S campaign to raise awareness about loan sharks has been hailed as a success.
About 300 people got involved and several new credit union accounts were opened.
Now further work is planned in the town to encourage young people aged between 11-16 to look to credit unions as a safe and legal way to save.
The campaign was organised by Warrington Borough council, the England Illegal Money Lending Team and national 
affordable housing provider Affinity Sutton Housing.
They were able to advise many people about the dangers of getting involved with illegal money lenders.
Loan sharks operate illegally trapping borrowers into a spiral of debt by adding huge additional amounts.
Many borrowers are forced into paying far more back than they borrowed or can afford. Many lenders use violence, threats, intimidation and other extreme methods to enforce repayment.
During the campaign, banners, posters and other publicity items were distributed and there was a competition to design the best awareness poster.
The team’s mascot, “Sid the Shark” was out and about encouraging people to get involved in a series of fun activities.
Nationally the Stop Loan Shark Project has secured over 212 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to 132 years worth of custodial sentences.
They have written off almost £40 million worth of illegal debt and helped more than 18,000 victims.
Anyone can report a loan shark by calling the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222 or visiting www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks
Loan sharks in deep water
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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I was only able to attend one of the days last week (In Poulton North) with the help of joint sponsors by Affinity Trust Housing Association. It was a fun event for all the family culminating in the unveiling of the mural that you can see in the above picture. Everyone had a great time and a very important message was delivered in the Mayor’s speech, stall holders and Sid the Shark. Mind you the Mayor with his Panama hat and dark sunglasses did look like a gangster – but a very friendly and happy one. Well done to all concerned.
Little question… but why are they planning further in the town to “encourage young people aged between 11-16 to look to credit unions as a safe and legal way to save”. What’s wrong with them ‘saving’ using normal banks and building societies as they can have their own accounts and deposit/withdraw their money easily, legally and securely and surely kids of that age couldn’t go to loan sharks anyway? Just asking, that’s all.