HEREFORDSHIRE residents are set to cash in on special low interest loans after plans to expand the county's Credit Union were unveiled.

Herefordshire Council has linked up with the Money Box Credit Union to offer more places where people can bank.

Under the partnership the council has allowed Credit Union members access to its cash offices and Info centres.

The move means that people can now bank at seven new centres across the county, including Hereford, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Bromyard and Kington.

The Credit Union, a savings and loans co-operative, is aimed at providing small loans to people on low incomes.

It also offers loans and savings to people on pensions, benefits or who are self-employed.

As well as banking at Garrick House Info Shop, Widemarsh Street, Hereford, Town Hall Cash Office, Info Shop, Corn Square, Leominster, The Bromyard Centre, Kington Cash Office, Swan House, Ross-on-Wye Cash Office, and St Katherine's, Ledbury, members can also make payments at volunteer-run collection points in South Wye and the Credit Union office in West St, Leominster, or pay in by standing order, cheque or payroll deduction.

Councillor June French, cabinet member for human resources and corporate support services, said: "I am pleased that we can help Money Box to offer a different way to save and borrow for Herefordshire people.

"This is a good deal for anyone, but a lifeline to lower income families, who are often targeted by loan companies charging very high interest rates on small loans."

Since Money Box was launched in Herefordshire in September 2004, nearly 100 fpeople have joined the Credit Union, with membership rising every month.

Members are encouraged to save regularly, and can then access low-cost loans for amounts ranging from small sums up to £3,000.

All transactions are confidential.

Although staff at the cash offices will handle payments, they do not have access to members' personal information.