THE benefits of credit union membership will soon to be brought to the people of Bradley, Brierfield and Whitefield, as Nelson Community Credit Union begins its expansion project.

It was launched to members at their 21st AGM yesterday, which was held at Silverman Hall.

Pendle Partnership said the credit union could help tackle the social and financial exclusion caused by traditional banks and building societies refusing to lend money to people perceived as being a bad risk.

It could help to alleviate poverty and deprivation by ensuring that loan sharks do not exploit local residents with high interest rates.

Members of the Credit Union are able to save and secure low interest loans, as well as spreading bills throughout the year using the budget account.

Dennis Mendoros, Pendle Partnership's chairman, said: "We believe that credit unions can make a big difference to people's quality of life, particularly by providing low cost financial services to people on low incomes. We want to see a big boost to membership of the credit union, particularly from people in Bradley, Whitefield and Brierfield.

"The success of Nelson Community Credit Union is recognised within the wider Credit Union movement as a good example of what can be achieved by people within their own communities. Nelson Community Credit Union is currently one of the largest of its kind in the country." Membership is open to all the people of Nelson, Barrowford and Brierfield who have a specific link, such as living in or working in the area.

Lou Gildea, Credit Union president, said "We offer a local, confidential and reliable service which can be of help to everyone financially. We have secured SRB and ERDF grants through Pendle Partnership and the North West Development Agency to fund the expansion, so even more residents can take advantage of its benefits.

"We will be opening local collection points in the three wards so that people have access to services locally. We believe this is what people want and it will be available to them later this year. We are seeking to build upon our success that has been achieved over the last 21 years.

"The aim of the project is to encourage a greater number of opportunities for members to access our services. Everyone in Nelson, Barrowford and Brierfield should have the choice of joining and this is what we want to achieve".

The Credit Union is currently based at Vaughan Street and can be contacted by phoning Lou Gildea on 01282 614350, or by visiting St John Southworth Social Centre on a Thursday or Friday evening, between 8pm and 10pm.