A PROJECT aimed at raising awareness of loan sharks has been given a cash boost from the proceeds of crime.

Shotton Colliery Community Centre, based in the village’s Bridge Road, was awarded £3,000 following members’ hard work during Shotton Colliery’s ‘Bite Back’ Week back in September in which local organisations teamed up with the England Illegal Money Lending in an action against loan sharks.

The project helped raise awareness of the dangers of getting involved with loan sharks and signposted residents to their local credit union - a legal alternative to borrowing money in a safe and secure way.

Housing providers such as East Durham Homes and Home Housing wrote to all tenants informing them about the week of action and the activities that were taking place.

Shotton Community Centre acted as the main hub during ‘bite back’ week.

The centre also represented a safe place for residents to drop in to gain free, confidential advice on loan sharks.

Residents had the opportunity to speak to staff about illegal money lending activity that was happening in the local community.

Activities that took place during the week of action included a coffee morning and charter signing, whereby local organisations came together to pledge a zero tolerance approach towards loan sharks by signing a charter.

Housing associations and local Citizen Advice Bureaus also held a number of drop-in sessions during the week, and took part in a leaflet drop in the Shotton Colliery district.

As a result 66 new members joined NE First Credit Union and saved for the required period of 10 weeks.

All members were later rewarded with a £25 savings boost for their effort to save.

This credit incentive was funded by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, using proceeds of crime money,confiscated from convicted loan sharks.

Shotton Community Centre manager Denise Brooks said: “Our new members thought the incentive scheme was great.

"They received the £25 savings boost just in time for Christmas, allowing them push the boat out and buy something a little extra.”

Heather Wake, senior employment and support officer at East Durham Homes added: “We whole-heartedly supported this event to highlight to residents that if they are victim of illegal money lending activities, that this is nothing to be ashamed of and support is available.”