Team joins fight to beat 'loan sharks'

East Riding Council is working with the Government's Illegal Money Lending Team to help victims of illegal money lenders.

The recession has seen an increase in people seeking unconventional means of securing loans, which in the hands of unscrupulous lenders are charged at extortionate rates.

The council said some lenders use "horrifying" levels of violence and intimidation when it is time for the debt to be repaid.

Intervention has seen 31m of illegal debt written off from more than 11,300 victims.

Coun Jane Evison, portfolio holder for cultural services, housing and public protection at the council, said: "The past 18 months have been tough for the British economy and as a result people, through no fault of their own, may have become victims to the horrific tactics of loan sharks.

"Please do not suffer in silence; your problem can only be resolved by contacting the Illegal Money Lending Team."

Anyone who believes they are a victim of a loan shark is being urged to call a 24-hour helpline, 0300 555 2222.