CK MONUMENTAL LTD
17 November 2011 Issue 31 - Volume 12
Abrodella
Concrete
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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
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SKY DIVE FOR CHARITY
Beware of loan sharks this Christmas! Pauline seeks the perfect bedtime story
Barcastle Retail Park, Castlebar. T: 094-9026100 www.symphonykitchens.ie
SLIGO-BORN actress and writer Pauline McLynn, who is encouraging burgeoning authors in the North-West to get writing and enter A.Vogel's national short story writing competition, which will run over the next 6 months. It is aimed at encouraging the creative people of Ireland to write the perfect bedtime story to help you on your way to the land of nod. Pauline will be a judge in the competition which awards three prizes (€500, €300 and €100). Entry forms can be downloaded from www.avogel.ie/story.
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T
RADERS and financial advice agencies are warning people throughout the North West to steer clear of illegal lenders this Christmas. When budgets are traditionally stretched on seasonal gifts, food and celebrations, those who need to bridge a gap in their finances are urged to think carefully about where they go to borrow money. It has become a familiar sight in housing estates across the region to see moneylenders calling on weekend evenings to collect their dues. Illegal and doorstep lenders often target people who would otherwise be unable to obtain credit from High Street lenders – but their interest rates can be extortionately high, and failure to meet repayments can result in much higher financial penalties, harassment for repayments; pressure into taking out a bigger loan to cover the debt, and the threat of violence. With some of these lenders a loan of €500 can result in repayments of up to €1,200 for borrowers. Even legal operators can sometimes charge exorbitant rates. It is understood many people will meet their moneylenders near the Post Office to collect their children's allowance book. After collecting the payment at the post office, the moneylender is handed back the book and cash by the borrower.
According to a survey of victims of loan sharks 20 per cent of victims took out their loans to give them extra money for Christmas. A spokesperson from the Irish League of Credit Unions said: “We all want to enjoy the festive season, but I would urge local residents to think twice before borrowing money from illegal lenders. It might appear that they can get you out of a fix, but you could find yourself in a much bigger financial problem if you’re not careful”. Instead, you can get good financial advice from MABS or your local Credit Union office, who now fear that lending restrictions imposed on them early this year may only drive more hardpressed people into the hands of illegal operators. Advice on legitimate borrowing, especially for those who have a poor credit status, is available from the nearest MABS outlet or Credit Union office. While the St. Vincent de Paul organisation is severely stretched at present, they have an open door for anybody in financial distress and will do their best to help. Anybody with evidence or suspicion of illegal moneylending should contact the Gardai or the National Consumer Agency. Only the Gardai can take action against such loan sharks, but the Consumer Agency can provide valuable advice on the legitimacy of such operations.
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