Official launch for confidential 'Money Matters' service at Ellesmere Port Market

New service offers affordable borrowing and saving facilities

16 February 2012

Instant access to independent and confidential money advice is now available at a new unit in Ellesmere Port’s Market.

The ‘Advice and Money Link’ is planning an official launch of their services with an event on Saturday, 25 February, from 10am until 12pm, including a range of activities, entertainment and competitions for children, as well as showcasing the support and advice services available.  

Open five days-a-week and staffed by Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union and West Cheshire Credit Union, as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Council, it provides people with a convenient, accessible point where they can access affordable borrowing and saving services.

Visitors can also talk in confidence to trusted experts about their financial worries or any other benefit or welfare queries.

Executive Member for Community and Environment, Councillor Lynn Riley, said: “Many families in Ellesmere Port may be struggling to manage very limited finances at the moment. There is a danger that they may think that their only option is expensive high street lenders and loan sharks.

“Advice and Money Link should always be your first port of call. The services based at the unit offer completely independent, trusted advice, looking at all aspects of your financial position, making sure you are accessing all the help available and benefiting from the lowest cost loans. More general advice about other factors such as benefits and housing are also available under the one roof.

“We want to end the cycle of debt by encouraging people to come and talk to us, face up to their money problems and, if they need a loan, to talk to the credit unions where they are guaranteed a low rate.”

General advice and information is also available at the unit from the CAB, the Our Place Area Partnership Team, Community Safety Wardens, the Welfare Rights team and links provided through to further council services via a hot phone and screen.

Advice and Money Link opened to customers in October 2011, giving Cheshire’s two main credit unions a high street presence in Ellesmere Port for the first time.

Local member, Councillor Justin Madders, said: “Many people in Ellesmere Port have already benefited from a loan from one of the town’s two credit unions. With household bills continuing to rise I am sure there will continue to be a demand for the credit union and money advice service.

“Providing free, confidential and impartial advice in such a central location will hopefully help to tackle the problem of loan sharks and illegal money lending.”

The Money and Advice Link is open Monday to Saturday and is closed on Wednesdays.