North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald has visited a Letchworth-based credit union to sign up as its 2,000th member.

Black Squirrel Credit Union – run by volunteers, and based in Gernon Walk – is marking 15 years of operation in North Herts, granting many hundreds of low-cost loans during that time.

Sir Oliver said: “I was delighted to become the 2000th member of the Black Squirrel Credit Union.

“The credit union provides borrowing at reasonable terms and will lend small sums. This is very important for many people of lower means.

“Black Squirrel Credit Union have also done well in building the savings habit locally. I congratulate them on reaching the 15-year milestone.”

Treasurer Bernard Lovewell said it was a pleasure to welcome Sir Oliver, who he said had always taken interest in the work of the credit union – which holds almost £600,000 on deposit for savers.

Mr Lovewell added: “We are an extremely busy credit union, run completely by a small team of dedicated volunteers.

“We need more volunteers and would be keen to speak to anyone who would be interested in joining us to help with this valuable and satisfying work.”

To find out more about the credit union see bscu.org.uk or call 01462 613961.