YORK residents are being urged to join the fight against loan sharks and realise the dangers of borrowing money at soaring interest rates.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team and City of York Council are running a campaign encouraging people to turn away from loan sharks and speak out if they have been a victim.

Residents will have the chance to sign up for a “zero tolerance” charter at an event next week.

It will be at Bell Farm Social Hall at 10am on Tuesday. The first 25 people who join the South Yorkshire Credit Union, which covers York, at the event and continue to save will receive a £25 voucher paid for through proceeds of criminal money taken from convicted loan sharks.

Staff from local agencies will also be able to attend a training session run by the team next Thursday, with a similar event for landlords and housing organisations the following day.

“With more and more families facing problems with debt, it’s imperative people are aware of the dangers of borrowing money from illegal money lenders,” said Coun Linsay Cunningham-Cross.

“With the charter, loan sharks operating in York will continue to be stopped by a specialist team dedicated to cracking down on unlicensed lenders.”

If you have been the victim of a loan shark phone 0300 555 222. For details about the credit union phone 01904 552236 or email jane@sycu.co.uk.