A NEW partnership has been launched in west Cheshire to provide practical saving and affordable lending to residents.

West Cheshire Credit Union is a not for profit, financial cooperative with 3,500 members which has lent £2.4million in small to medium sized loans since it was established in 2004.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) together with partners Cheshire and Wirral Partnership, Muir Housing, Plus Dane Group, Sanctuary group and Weaver Vale Housing Trust have commissioned West Cheshire Credit Union to work in partnership to provide safe and affordable financial services to all members of the community and particularly to those who are unable to access main stream products.

Cllr David Armstrong, CWAC's cabinet member for legal and finance, said: "The partnership will help the Credit Union develop their services and support local financial challenges.

"Through this partnership we hope to offer a real and affordable alternative to payday loans and doorstep lending."

Neil Jay, manager of West Cheshire Credit Union, said: "To secure this commissioning contract shows the major investment and importance partners place on ensuring their users have easy access to affordable credit.

"With the help and support from each of the groups involved we will be in a stronger position to bring heightened awareness of credit union services to a significant audience and in doing so support the financial needs of a cross section of the community."

For more information about the West Cheshire Credit Union visit wccu.co.uk.