I was pleased to see the article about the new branch of Bradford Credit Union to open in Keighley.

Credit Unions are fantastic social and economic organisations. I believe there could and should be a greater thrust to create and open more of them, especially in areas where they can be of great use and benefit to the local community. The opening of this new branch of the Bradford District Credit Union in the Sue Belcher Community Centre in Bracken Bank Avenue is a very positive and welcome development for local residents in Bracken Bank and Ingrow, who may be facing the consequences of tough economic times, and handily placed right on our doorstep. It could also potentially benefit people in other areas of Keighley.

For people for whom a very attractive – and often the only – alternative when a pay cheque or a social security payment just won’t stretch far enough, would be to go to a pay-day loan shop, it is far better to use an ethical service like this than run the risk of paying back obscene amounts of interest for missed repayments. I will be doing all I can to support the retention of this new BDCU branch for as long as possible.

Councillor Samuel Fletcher Bracken Bank and Ingrow ward