ECCLES, U.K.–A flash mob of zombies bearing the message “Don’t get spooked by rip-off lenders—get local” has made an appearance here.
The zombies appeared as part of Greater Manchester Credit Union Awareness Week and were seeking to point the living toward using Salford Credit Union, rather than payday lenders, according to the Salford Star.
In the midst of the Eccles Makers Market, the zombie flashmob appeared creeping out shoppers with a chilling tale of financial horror, the publication reported. “Payday loans, doorstep lenders and expensive credit cards are haunting people's wallets with frightening rates of interest and scary debt,” the zombies said.
"Our community credit unions are the local, ethical alternative to the high-interest payday loan companies and loan sharks," Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is backing the campaign, told the Salford Star. "Through their trusted lending and savings schemes, Greater Manchester credit unions keep £24 million within our local economy and support thousands of people across the city-region. In this Credit Union Awareness Week, I hope even more people in Greater Manchester will sign up to their local credit union and show that there is a real, local, alternative when it comes to saving and borrowing.”
Salford Credit Union, which has been supported by Salford City Council with £170,000, now has more than 3,500 members, with £848,126 in loans. Members also currently hold savings of £2.38 million with the CU.
"Too many people in Salford are turning to payday lenders, expensive credit cards and doorstep lenders to help get them through each month or when in a financial crisis," explained Sheila Murtagh, chief executive of Salford Credit Union "But this can mean they end up in a cycle of debt that is not easy to break.”