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Residents in Knowsley are being urged not to fall into the same trap as Coronation Street character Joe McIntyre by using a loan shark.

On the television soap, the Weatherfield character and his fiancée Gail Platt have been pursued by an illegal money lender to pay back their mounting debts.

Knowsley Council’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Service is working in partnership with North West Illegal Money Lending Team to track down and prosecute the borough’s loan sharks.

The team can also get victims access to legal advice, affordable credit and the support of debt advisors.

Loan sharks operate by offering illegal loans at extreme rates of interest, which are usually impossible to repay. Many use threats and violence against people who can’t keep up their repayments.

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer and Corporate Services, said: “This high-profile television storyline is drawing attention to a real problem that can blight communities.

“Illegal money lenders prey on the most vulnerable members of our society and use threats and violence to frighten them.

“I would advise any people in Knowsley who have fallen victim to an illegal money lender that help and support is available by calling the Shop a Shark hotline on 0151 282 1122 to talk to someone anonymously or email stoploansharks@knowsley.gov.uk.”

Knowsley Council advises residents who are unable to access a bank account to:

• Join a credit union. To access affordable, legitimate credit;

• Find out if you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to by calling Knowsley Council’s Benefits Take Up and Visiting Team on 0151 443 4135.

• If you are already in debt to a legitimate lender and are struggling to meet the repayments, Knowsley’s Citizens Advice Service can also help. Call 0845 122 1300;

• The Government’s Now Let’s Talk Money Campaign can also offer advice and support. Call 0800 012 1656 or visit the website www.nowletstalkmoney.com

Residents in Knowsley are urged not to fall victim to rogue traders offering to do their spring cleaning.

As the better weather arrives, many people will want to get stuck into tidying up gardens and the outside of their homes.

But Knowsley Trading Standards is warning people to be on their guard against rogue traders or cold callers who offer to do the work.

Knowsley’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection Service offers the following advice:

• Never feel under pressure to make decisions which could lead to unnecessary, expensive or poor quality work being carried out.

• If the elderly or vulnerable need to have work carried out, they should contact the Trader Approved Scheme Knowsley (T.A.S.K) on 0151 546 6680 or Care & Repair Knowsley on 0151 548 6668

• You should always get at least two quotations before agreeing to get any work carried out

• Ask someone you trust for a second opinion

• If a trader calls at your home, you have a seven day cooling off period in which you can cancel any contract above £35.

• If you are in any doubt, contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06

Cllr Ken Keith, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, said: “It is that time of year when many of us get back outside to do work in the garden or the outside of our properties.

“It is important to be alert for unscrupulous traders who may seize the opportunity to take advantage by offering to carry this work out, often using high pressure tactics to get you to agree.

“You must never feel under pressure to agree to any work being done and should always get at least two quotations. If you are in any doubt, please contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”

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