A GROUP of Gwent residents are taking a unique approach to the tough economic climate by developing their own community credit union.
The Islwyn Community Credit Union (ICCU), based in Blackwood and Risca, is run by local volunteers who save their cash in a shared fund.
If anyone in the community needs help with their finances, the union will offer then a low interest loan from their friends and neighbours, rather than forcing them be at the mercy of the big banks.
On Saturday the group, who also encourage children to start saving from an early age, celebrated international credit union day with Welsh poet and saver Patrick Jones, and appealed for more volunteers so they can continue helping those in need.
Organiser Seamus Kane said: “We work because put people first. We are small enough to be able to make decision to help people.”
For more information visit www.islwyncu.co.uk or telephone 01495 222832.
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