A NOT-FOR-PROFIT money-lending organisation is moving premises due to the planned renovation of Lord Square in Blackburn.

East Lancs Moneyline (ELM) is moving to Higher Church Street, Blackburn.

The trust, a grant-funded, not-for-profit organisation, has been loaning money to individuals and businesses in the Blackburn and Darwen area for the past two years from its Lord Square offices.

The move was taking place over the Easter weekend, with staff expecting to be ready to welcome clients from Tuesday.

Ian Clough, ELM manager, said: "Our move is an enforced one brought about by the redevelopment plans for Lord Square.

"However, it is also a welcome one. Our new office was formerly a mobile phone shop. It's more modern and brighter.

"From street level, clients will be able to walk into a new reception area, behind which are a number of private interview rooms.

"Where previously we had to greet and interview clients and do all our administration on the one floor, the move allows us to split these facets of our work."

Mr Clough said administration will take place in the first floor offices, which will also provide a home for staff from Blackburn Debt Support Net.

This is a free Citizens' Advice Bureau service to counsel and advise those with debt problems.

It is planned the second floor of the offices will be turned into meeting and seminar rooms.

Since its foundation, ELM has loaned more than £1.4million to 1,400 clients.

It is supported by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and is often called on for help and advice by local authorities throughout the country looking to establish similar organisations in their areas.

ELM helps those unable to obtain financial assistance from mainstream sources such as high street banks and building societies and who may therefore be tempted into borrowing money at high interest rates from loan sharks and doorstep lending companies.

ELM's new office retains the same telephone number as the former office.