Bid to take back cash from sharks

COMMUNITY groups and schools in Halton have been invited to bid for up to £5,000 in grant cash seized from loan sharks.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) has multiple pots of Proceeds Of Crime Act funds available for projects aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of illicit finance.

Last year, the scheme received more than 150 bids, 100 of which received a grant.

Past projects to be awarded funding included a drama production to warn about loan sharks, a radio station ‘takeover’, a community sofa featuring warning messages, a mural in a school and a prevention badge created by Girl Guides.

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 30.

AN IMLT spokeswoman said loan sharks often trap borrowers in spiralling debt by charging astronomical rates of interest and arbitrary extra charges.

In some cases, criminals have resorted to intimidation violence to enforce repayment.

Tony Quigley, IMLT head of service, said: “We are launching our national POCA funding scheme again this year and are encouraging charities, community groups and schools to bid for the cash available.

“Loan sharks are a scourge on our communities, and can have a huge detrimental impact on the lives of their victims.

“We’re looking to use proceeds of crime money to fund something positive and help prevent these criminals from operating in the future.

“If your project meets our criteria, then get in touch as we’d like to hear about your idea.

“If you or someone you know has been a victim of a loan shark, then please get in touch with the team on 0300 555 2222.

“Your call will be dealt with by a trained IMLT officer and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence.”