MORE than £1,700 of loan sharks cash is being ploughed back in to the Hartlepool community through a new incentive scheme.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team is working in partnership with Thirteen Housing Group and Tees Credit Union to host two events during February half term to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders.

Fiona Heighton, financial inclusion leader at Thirteen, said: “Loan sharks are illegal and can make people’s lives a misery, usually preying on the most vulnerable in our communities.

“There are alternatives, like the Tees Credit Union, and it is important that this message is reinforced and that is the object of these events. Anyone struggling to make ends meet should come along and learn more about the options available, and steer clear of illegal lenders who charge extortionate interest rates and offer cash loans with no paperwork attached.”

The first event takes place at West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue, tomorrow, during opening hours and Kilmarnock Road Resource Centre, Kilmarnock Road, the following day.