A NEW credit union is aiming to help more Eden people steer clear of payday loan companies.

EdenSave Credit Union, which first opened for business in Penrith last October, has opened its first outreach office in Kirkby Stephen.

It means that local residents and people working in the area will have access to savings accounts to deposit money, make withdrawals and take out loans.

Pat Godwin, chairperson of EdenSave, said: “We have heard many people on opening an account mentioning that they are doing so because they wanted to help local people borrow at reasonable rates.”

The office, at Kirkby Stephen Local Links, Vicarage Lane, will be open on Wednesdays from 10.15am to 12.15pm.

It will be staffed largely by volunteers who will also work closely with volunteers at Penrith – with further outreach offices planned in Alston and Appleby.