INSTANT access to independent, confidential money advice is now available at a new unit in Ellesmere Port Market.

Advice & Money Link is open five days a week and is staffed by Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union and West Cheshire Credit Union, as well as the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).

The aim is to provide people with a convenient, accessible point where they can talk in confidence to experts about their money worries or financial queries or indeed to report loan sharks or unscrupulous lenders.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “Many families in Ellesmere Port may be struggling to manage very limited finances at the moment. There is a danger that they will fall foul of expensive high street lenders and loan sharks.

“Advice & 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 from the CAB, the Our Place Area Partnership Team, the Community Safety Wardens, welfare rights team and links provided through to further council services via a hot phone and screen.

Advice & Money Link opened to customers on October 10 giving Cheshire’s two main credit unions a high street presence in Ellesmere Port for the first time.

Labour group leader and Ellesmere Port Town ward councillor Justin Madders said: “Many people in Ellesmere Port have already benefited from a loan from one of the town’s two credit unions where it was one of the few viable options open to them.

“Providing free, confidential and impartial advice in such a central location will no doubt help to tackle the problem of loan sharks and illegal money lending.”