Campaign call by actor as he opens credit union

Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has called on communities across Scotland to join the fight against “exploitative” money lenders as he opened a new credit union in Leith.

The Frost/nixon star officially launched the Castle Community Bank in Leith yesterday, as he takes a step back from his stage and screen career to pursue a campaign against “highcost” loan companies.

He spoke of how he knew of mothers who fell into financial difficulty after using payday lenders, adding that sometimes the “spiralling debt” left people feeling suicidal. Sheen said: “You hear about people getting into trouble, not making the payment one week, being hounded – people calling up banging on the doors – being threatened with court.”

Castle Community Bank allows anyone who resides or is employed in the EH postcode area to join.