Central Liverpool Credit Union has moved to new premises – a former pub on Park Road.
And as well as providing affordable loans and encouraging savings it is now aiming to grow food for its members.
Alongside its new building in the old Toxteth Pub, volunteers from the Credit Union are working to create a new community garden, which will be used to grow food for both members and volunteers.
The new premises provide the Credit Union with a high street presence on Park Road only 100 yards from where it was originally launched as Park Road Credit Union some 30 years ago.
Mayor Joe Anderson recently visited the new premises.
“I’m passionately committed to our local credit unions which is why we’ve invested over a million pounds among the credit unions across Liverpool. And as we heard on my visit, for every pound invested in a credit union tens of pounds are generated for the local economy,” he said.
“At a recent cabinet meeting we launched the Liverpool and Wirral Social Stock Exchange Pilot. Credit Unions are perfectly placed to help local social enterprises benefit from this initiative.
“Our Shops for a £ initiative on Smithdown Road has attracted enormous interest. Following my visit I’ll be seeking ways to roll out the initiative in other parts of the city and inviting the Credit Union, through an independent trading arm, to act as a key partner in the initiative.”
Eileen Halligan, CEO of Central Liverpool Credit Union, said: “The Grass Roots project run by our charitable arm will finally be producing food to give to our members and volunteers. It is fitting that Grass Roots is sighted next to our memorial garden that honours deceased volunteers.
“We are delighted to be working with our local councillors and the Mayor’s Office to explore Social Stock Exchange through the shops and homes for £ project. This could be the catalyst to regenerate neglected communities in keeping with the ideals of the founders of Park Road Community Credit Union.”
Work on the Credit Union’s Park Road Community Garden has been supported by L8 Living Sustainably, Liverpool City Council and IN Environmental Services.
. Picture above: Mayor Anderson joins credit unuion members, volunteers and local councillors in the new community garden.
