A CREDIT union which hoped to eradicate Darlington of loan sharks has increased its membership by 20 per cent in a week-long drive.

Darlington Credit Union, which formed last year when the town’s four existing cooperative credit organisations amalgamated, saw members shoot up from 900 to 1,100 last week after staging a series of Money Matters events around the town.

Following a town centre launch, drop-in sessions were held at schools and community centres around the borough.

People were given an incentive of a £10 contribution added to their account if they signed up.

Advice about financial matters was given out and community drama company Shontal performed a production about a family who get involved with loan sharks.

As part of the week, Ken Roach’s Raining Stones, about a man in debt, was screened at Darlington Arts Centre.

The week was organised with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Age concern, Darlington Borough Council, NHS Darlington and the Community Advice Partnership.

Tony Brockley, credit union coordinator, said he was very pleased with the way the week had gone.

“It was a good week. We have signed up more than 200 members from the schools and community centre events,” he said. “We are expecting more applications to come back.”

Now, the credit union, which recently opened a collection point with a young savers’ club at Reid Street Primary School, is looking to increase its links with schools.

“We are talking to other schools and are hoping to increase our presence very soon,” he said. “the event has also brought a lot of people to the office, which is good, as it means they know where we are now.

“We have had about 30 people sign up at each event, which is excellent,” he said.

“The main thing is that be are getting the message out there. Some of the people who came to see us had previously borrowed from doorstep lenders.

“We are saying that if you feel the need to borrow from doorstep lenders, don’t. Come and see us first and find out what we have to offer.”