Fulham's first Credit Union opens in North End Road
Hammersmith & Fulham Credit Union is now open for business at its new offices in North End Road.
The Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial co-operative which provides people who live or work locally - particularly those who don’t have access to traditional banking - with a range of fair, accessible financial services, including ethical savings and affordable loans.
The Credit Union, which has been in the works for five years, aims to make it more difficult for high interest credit companies to exploit local people. It is a community organisation, with any profits reinvested in services or distributed fairly amongst members.
The council has backed the Union with £25,000, and other supporters include North Fulham New Deal for Communities and a group of housing associations - Notting Hill Housing Southern Housing and Guinness Trust.
Leader of the Council Stephen Greenhalgh, who cut the ribbon at the new branch, says the credit union is a step towards getting loan sharks off local estates. He adds:
“ The credit union can help alleviate current economic difficulties and can help people make the most of their lives.”
H & F Credit Union is now open at 274 North End Road on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am till 4pm. A satellite service is also available at Shepherd’s Bush Opportunities Centre every Tuesday from 10.30am till 3pm and a service at Hammersmith Town Hall is also on the way.
January 27, 2009
|