Swim with sharks in Milton Keynes

‘Shark Night’ suitable for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers and is being hosted by The ‘England Illegal Money Lending Team’ in partnership with Fullers Slade Residents’ Association.

The residents’ association have exclusively hired out their local swimming pool to host the shark themed pool party.

The aim is to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders, more commonly known as ‘loan sharks’ whilst bringing the community together for a fun event.

The swimming session will then finish with a traditional fish and chip supper.

During the event, loan shark display boards and leaflets will be highly visible to get the message across that loan sharks are dangerous and it will cost the borrower ‘an arm and leg’ if they get involved with one.

Fullers Slade is one of the seven priority areas which Milton Keynes Council’s regeneration programme will be focusing on over the next 15 years.

Fullers Slade Resident’s Association was formed to develop the community spirit, so that all residents have a sense of place and know there are people to help tackle estate ‘issues’ – such as loan sharks and illegal money lending activity.

Tony Quigley, Head of Service for the England Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “Through our ‘Your Choice’ scheme, the cash extorted from loan sharks is being put to excellent use.

“Thanks to everyone who voted or entered a bid, you have contributed to making a difference and tackling this crime in your community.

“Loan sharks are a scourge on society and cause harm and misery to their victims, but we are continuing to tackle them in Milton Keynes and across the country.

“We would always urge victims of illegal money lenders to seek help by contacting us in confidence on 0300 555 2222”

Jill Dyer, member of Fullers Slade Resident’s Association added: “Loan sharks are not welcome in our area, so we’re determined to raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders.

“Our ‘Shark Night’ enables us to do just that – we want to promote the message in a fun way.

“We’re so pleased that Fullers Slade Residents Association were the winning group to receive the most votes as part of Milton Keynes’s Choice Scheme.

“We were awarded our full bid of £700 to use towards ‘Shark Night’.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) in partnership with Milton Keynes Council Trading Standards launched a Your Choice initiative back in November 2016 to give residents a say in how money is spent within the local community.