A GRAFFITI mural was unveiled as part of a project funded by money collected from the ill-gotten gains of loan sharks.

The colourful design, which features warning messages about illegal money lending, aims to serve as a reminder to residents about the dangers of loan sharks.

The artwork project was commissioned by the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) using £1,300 of money which had been confiscated following successful prosecutions. 

In 2013, a loan shark from the Great Sankey was jailed for two-and-a-half years for illegal money lending. 

John Radford, of Park Road, exploited many vulnerable people by lending hundreds of thousands of pounds at high interest. 
He was ordered to pay back £750,000.

To raise awareness of this type of crime, the team at IMLT worked with youth workers from Warrington Borough Council’s early help division and Zap Graffiti Organisation to create the mural on the Clarion Housing Estate, formerly the Affinity Sutton Housing Estate, on Gosport Close in Padgate.

The artwork mural will be a permanent fixture on the estate to serve as a constant reminder of the dangers of borrowing from unauthorised money lenders. 

Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children’s services, said: “The community action project is a fantastic outcome for young people from the Clarion Housing Estate and I am delighted to unveil the artwork. 

“I hope that it raises awareness about the dangers and risks of illegal money lending and inspires other young people within the community to make a difference.”

An estimated 310,000 households nationally are borrowing from illegal money lenders, many of whom charge high rates of interest.

Tony Quigley, head of service for the national IMLT said: “Illegal money lenders can have a horrific impact on our communities and should never be used under any circumstances. 

“We would always urge residents to visit their local credit union as a safe way to borrow money, instead of turning to unauthorised lenders.” 

To report a loan shark call the 24/7 confidential hotline on 0300 555 2222, text 07860 022116 or visit stoploansharks.co.uk.