BURY Council has joined the England Illegal Money Lending Team in raising awareness of the dangers of loan sharks.

Representatives from the team, along with mascot Sid the Shark, will be in the community encouraging people to turn away from loan sharks and to report the crime if they have been a victim.

Visitors to Bury Market next Friday can view displays and receive advice between 11am and 1.30pm.

Assemblies about the dangers of loan sharks, with a poster competition, will be held at local primary schools and wordsearches, quizzes and colouring competitions will run throughout the week. In Bury, there will be also be a talk with the local landlords’ forum.

Cllr Tony Isherwood, Bury’s cabinet member for environment, said: “Christmas can cause stress to many families due to the extra financial pressure it creates. The 'credit crunch' will undoubtedly add to the anxiety of those who are worried about the cost of paying for Christmas.

“Bury Council wants to make sure that residents who need extra cash in the run-up to the festive period don’t make the mistake of turning to loan sharks.

“This week of activity and the launch of the new Bury Credit Union is our way of making our citizens aware of better ways to look after their money as well taking action against anyone operating illegally.”

An estimated 310,000 households across the country are in debt to a loan shark. Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Illegal money lending is a despicable crime which causes nothing but harm to our communities.

“These lenders may appear to be offering a community service but borrowers are often forced to pay back far and above what they have borrowed and can afford.

“Many are subjected to threats, violence or other callous enforcement methods.

“We would urge anyone who has been the victim of a loan shark to report them in confidence on 0300 555 2222.”