A PROJECT which used graffiti art to warn about the dangers of loan sharks has won national recognition.

The scheme picked-up a Stop Loan Sharks Champion accolade from the national Illegal Money Lending Team.

Both Keighley social housing group Incommunities and Bradford District Credit Union were highly commended for their work on the initiative, which raised awareness of illegal money lenders and the help available to victims.

Family-orientated events were held at community centres in Keighley, Scholemoor and Holme Wood.

A graffiti artist created murals featuring a ‘stop loan sharks’ helpline number – 0300 555 2222.

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities’ group chief executive, welcomed the recognition.

And she paid tribute to Pam Chahal-Royal and Tracy Tough from the group’s community resilience team.

“I am delighted for them for their hard work,” said Mrs Howley.

“Through their community links, they reached hundreds of adults and young people to highlight the dangers of going to illegal lenders.

“They worked closely with the credit union, Illegal Money Lending Team and Bradford Council to raise awareness of responsible saving and borrowing.”

Ian Brewer, Bradford District Credit Union’s financial inclusion officer, said the organisation took extremely seriously the pressure people were under from loan sharks and wanted to inspire hope through its “holistic approach” to savings and borrowing.

“We deliver workshops around the district as well as attend events with partner organisations to raise awareness of the pitfalls in using illegal lenders,” he added.

The Stop Loan Sharks awards recognise organisations which are supporting the fight against the criminals and are making a difference in communities by highlighting the issue.

Awards host, the Illegal Money Lending Team, investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders while supporting victims.

It was set-up in 2004, initially as a pilot scheme.

Nationally – working closely with the police and organisations such as Trading Standards – it has secured more than 380 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to nearly 329 years’ worth of custodial sentences.

More than 28,000 victims have been helped.

Tony Quigley, head of the team, said: “We were delighted to present Bradford District Credit Union and Incommunities with this highly commended award for their excellent continued work.

“We’d urge anyone who has been affected by illegal money lending to contact us in confidence on 0300 555 2222 or visit stoploansharks.uk.”

The award was presented by David Benbow, from the team, in a ceremony at City Hall, Bradford.