HALTON Housing Trust has helped refurbish an office to enable the Credit Union to have more space to assist customers across Widnes.

With demand for the service increasing in the past year due to the difficult economic climate, the Credit Union needed more space to provide the range of services on offer.

The Trust stepped in and not only provided the shop at a peppercorn rent but also contributed to the overall cost and carried out the refurbishment work to the shop premises in Queens Avenue, which is now home to the Credit Union.

Speaking at the opening of the office Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “As many of you will know the Credit Union has had a longstanding presence in the area and has become a well established and integral part of the local community.

“As the needs of local people have changed over the 10 years the Credit Union has been based at Queens Avenue, the services offered have adapted to meet these needs. 

“However, the limitations of the previous office got in the way of some services being offered. Improving and developing services to meet our customer’s needs is something the Trust prides itself on and so it was a not a hard decision when we were asked to support their move to larger premises.”

The Credit Union has an office in Halton Lea as well as the new one on Queens Avenue, Widnes, and has 3,000 active members.

Since the shop opened on Queens Avenue footfall has increased week on week.

The opening of the office saw the culmination of 12 months hard work and has resulted in customers having access to a range of modern facilities and private consultation rooms which had previously only been available at the Runcorn Office.

“This facility is a great example of how agencies from Halton can work together to improve the quality of life for the local communities across the borough,” said Nick Atkin.

“I am delighted the Trust is able to continue our relationship with the Credit Union and long may this continue.”

Michael Gelling, Chair of the Board at Halton Credit Union said: “The Trust has been very supportive in our move to the new shop.  We are over the moon with the new premises and pleased that we can offer such a high level of service on both sides of the water.”

To find out where your nearest Credit Union collection point is call 01928 790571 after 2pm.