Trading standards join Bradford loan shark fight (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Trading standards join Bradford loan shark fight

10:00am Saturday 22nd September 2012 in News By Dolores Cowburn, Bradford Chief Reporter

A senior Bradford councillor has condemned loan sharks for preying on the vulnerable and is ensuring that headteachers are more informed on what they can do to protect parents.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed earlier this week that terrified parents are being ‘ambushed’ for payments by loan sharks’ heavies using dogs to intimidate them at school gates in Bradford.

Responding to the T&A story, Councillor Val Slater , chairman of the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Committee, said that she has contacted Kath Tunstall, the Bradford Council’s strategic director of children’s services, to see what advice can be issued to headteachers regarding loan sharks.

Coun Slater said: “The story alerted us to the urgency of the situation and the need to help residents who are increasingly becoming vulnerable to loan sharks as the economic situation worsens and they increasingly can’t access traditional finance.

“We are keen to work with debt agencies to tackle this ever-growing issue and also to highlight credit unions as an alternative source of financial help.”

Trading Standards staff are now putting together a programme working with schools and community to raise awareness of local issues.

•  If you need to report a loan shark in confidence call 0300 555 2222 or text LOAN SHARK and your details to 60003.