A CREDIT union providing affordable finance to people living or working in Kirklees has widened its scope.

Castle & Minster Credit Union, which has more than 7,000 members and branches across the district, has been joined by All Saints Credit Union, based in Batley, and St Brigid’s Save and Credit Union in Huddersfield.

Both unions, which have strong links to local churches and have been serving members for more than 20 years between them, have transferred to Castle & Minster.

Tony Hood, chairman of directors at Castle & Minster, said: “It is sad that smaller credit unions are struggling to find volunteers to commit to running them at a grass roots level, but Castle & Minster Credit Union will endeavour to provide a professional, friendly and local service for their members.

“We are always pleased to welcome new members and hope that members will benefit from belonging to a bigger credit union organisation.

“Because of our comparative size we can offer a wider range of competitive finance products, including low-cost flexible loans, as well as free insurance on savings and loans, annual dividends paid from any profit we make and online services that would not currently be available to transferring members.

“We hope our new members will take advantage of these benefits.”

Castle & Minster Credit Union is a not-for-profit credit union, offering local ethical and affordable financial services which are fair and transparent.

The Credit Union is run by and for its members and provides savings and loans at fair and competitive rates as well as a number of other products.

Credit Unions can charge no more than 2% interest a month, equivalent to an APR of 26.8%.

Castle & Minster have seen a dramatic rise in membership year on year as a result of the banking crisis which resulted in tighter purse strings and the questioning of the traditional banking model as well as access to low cost financial services and products.