RESIDENTS are being urged to join a credit union after only four people in Harwich signed up to the scheme in its first year.

Tendring Council launched the union in the district in February and has bases in inside Dovercourt’s JobCentre Plus, The Hub, in Manningtree and at Clacton Town Hall.

Both the centres in Manningtree and Clacton have more than 20 people signed up to the scheme.

The service gives people the opportunity to borrow money at reasonable rates, get financial advice and encouragement to save.

For more information on the credit union visit tendringdc.gov.uk/community/credit-union.