WOLFIE and “Sharky” will come face to face in Warrington next week as the borough council raises awareness of the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks.
Warrington’s Wolves’ mascot will meet the national antil-loan shark mascot at a special illegal money lending awareness event where local people can get a range of help, support and advice.
The council, together with the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), Warrington Credit Union and the council’s youth and neighbourhoods teams, are coordinating the event as part of their work to raise awareness of the perils of fraudulent lending.
It all takes place at the Cockhedge Centre on Monday between 10am and 3pm.
Cllr Judith Guthrie, the council’s lead member for Environment and Public Protection said, “Illegal money lenders can have a horrific impact on our communities, and should never be used under any circumstances. It is important for people to realise that alternatives to borrowing from loan sharks are available if you are in financial difficulty.
“Loan sharks are not welcome in Warrington and we will continue to work closely with the Illegal Money Lending Team to stamp out this awful crime that affects the most vulnerable. A key part of our work is to educate local families so that they can avoid falling prey to this criminal act”.
The event will also feature a range of other activities crucial in the run up Christmas. Other participants include the police, who will be offering free bike marking; the council’s youth bus; the credit union; and budget boosters, who offer helpful money advice.
Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said “Loan sharks are unscrupulous criminals who prey on vulnerable people, charging exorbitant rates of interest and using fear and intimidation to recover monies ‘owed’.
“We urge victims of loan sharks to contact us in confidence on 0300 555 2222 and help us bring these crooked lenders to justice.”
Event attendees will receive free and confidential financial advice, guidance on the next steps to take if they think they have been targeted by a loan shark and find out more about obtaining a loan in a legal, affordable and sensible way, as well as how to start saving with the local credit union.
The event is aimed at the whole family and there will be prizes up for grabs in special “guess the number” and “Where’s Sharky?” competitions. Children can also have their picture taken with Wolfie and Sharky.
Wolfie and Sharky join forces to tackle illegal money lending
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