Loan shark proceeds help groups in need (From Swindon Advertiser)

Loan shark proceeds help groups in need

12:20pm Friday 17th February 2012 in News By David Wiles

CASH taken from convicted loan sharks was handed out to eight community organisations yesterday as part of a project to crack down on the illegal business.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team worked in partnership with Swindon Council to host the U Choose initiative, which allowed residents to choose local projects to be funded through proceeds of crime money.

The event was held at the John Moulton Hall, in Penhill, and a total of 14 hopeful groups displayed projects to get a share of the £2,000 up for grabs.

Visitors were asked to vote for one of the projects, which had to be designed to stop loan sharks or put out a preventative message. The eight groups with the most votes were each given cheques for £250.

Cath Williams, the liaison manager with the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “The aim is two-fold. One is we’re putting proceeds of crime money back into the community and the second is about raising awareness with people that these loan sharks are illegal and there is a team that can take action against them.

“We tend to find there’s various barriers to people reporting them, one of which is a lack of knowledge that this is a criminal activity.”

Community And Learning In Penhill, a charity, was given cash to buy a laptop to allow community radio volunteers to record and edit programmes on location. The group plans to broadcast a series of programmes raising awareness of loan sharks.

Ingrid Bernathova, the Fair Share community worker for Clip, said she was pleased the money was going back into the community.

“I think everyone who got supported got reassurance that those who voted and the community members value what they do. It’s encouraging,” she said.

Representatives from the team and other agencies also spoke to people, warning them of the dangers of becoming involved with money lenders.

Clivey Credit Union was available, offering a legal alternative to people who might be tempted by unlicensed lenders.

There was also food and a face-painter, as well as a special appearance by Sid, the Illegal Money Lending Team’s mascot.