The Big Push Project · Fri, 8th Feb · 

Geoff Hoon MP helped Cashfields Credit Union to celebrate the launch of the Big Push Project. With money from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and part funded by the European Union, European Regional Development fund, Cashfields is now set to provide a better service to more members.

Cashfields is looking for volunteers to run two new collection points; one on the Coxmoor estate in Kirkby and one on the Leamington estate in Sutton. Members will then not have to go far to save regularly and will have access to low cost loans when they need one. Cashfields aim is to offer people on low or fixed incomes a real alternative to expensive doorstep credit and loan sharks. Credit unions can also be seen as an ethical place to save because you know where your money is, it is circulating round the community.

Credit unions are financial co-operatives and can be found all over the world. Members own the credit union so it is a bit like owning your own bank and, just like banks credit unions are regulated by the Financial Services, so members' money is safe. Members can also pay into Xmas Saver and Holiday Saver accounts or get their children into the saving habit with a Junior Saver account.

The more people join, the stronger the credit union becomes, the better the dividend and the more services it will be able to offer.

Mr Hoon said. 'It is important to see community projects like this where people work together to improve the community. With this project people can save securely and help members of their community at the same time.'

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon visited Selston Church of England Infant and Nursery School to see how their development as an Eco-School is going.

Eco-Schools is a project that aims to make youngsters more aware of the environment and encourage them to take a more active role in protecting it. Schools from all over the world are part of the scheme.

The structure of the scheme centres around making the children integral to the process so that they are personally invested in the success and so will increase their sense of responsibility of both their school environment and their local area.

Mr Hoon saw how their efforts are developing and what they intend to do in the future.

Mr Hoon said. 'Global warming is a very real threat and we need to start thinking now about changing our lifestyles so that future generations can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. What these children are doing is a great first step and hopefully people will follow in their example.'