A week of action is set to be launched in West Cumbria to stop loan sharks and encourage people to save money.

A host of organisations are set to raise awareness in Whitehaven and surrounding areas about illegal money lending and loan sharks.

It marks a week of action from next Monday to Friday (October 9-13).

Whitehaven, Egremont and District Credit Union (WEDCU) is working with the England Illegal Money Lending Team, Cumbria County Council and other partners for the venture.

Coun Peter Tyson, WEDCU chairman, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this Week of Action with the England Illegal Money Lending Team and other partners. We hope to increase our membership at the credit union and at the same time help to get the important message out there about stopping loan sharks."

The credit union is a community based non-profit making savings and borrowings organisation that is owned, run and controlled by its members and for its members.

It is encouraging people to kick start their savings, in an initiative it has jointly organised with the England Illegal Money Lending Team.

The membership fee to join WEDCU (normally £3) will be waved for the first 50 people who open new credit union accounts during the week. If these new members continue to save for the next three months, a £25 bonus will be deposited into their credit union account.

The Week of Action is being part funded via cash confiscated from illegal money lenders through the courts and giving it back to the local communities affected by loan sharks.

Andrea Dockeray, development manager at the credit union, which is based on James Street in the Market Place, said around 150 people joined up to the scheme in the last awareness week.

Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: "We’re pleased to be working with our partners in Whitehaven and Egremont to combat loan sharks. Illegal money lenders are scourge on our communities, causing misery and fear to their victims. They often trap people into a spiral of debt and use bullying tactics such as intimidation, threats and violence to enforce repayment.

"If you or someone you know has been a victim of a loan shark, we urge you to get in touch on 0300 555 2222. Your call will be handled by an IMLT officer and all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. Alternatively, victims can now report a loan shark online by visiting www.stoploansharks.co.uk/report-a-loan-shark"

Training sessions are also due to take place next week, including one for Copeland Council staff.