LOAN sharks came under the spotlight in a film produced by housing tenants.

Bolton Cineworld rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of A Loan in Bolton, a film made by volunteers from Bolton at Home’s drama group, Dramatic Action.

It tells the story of a young mother who loses her job and borrows £300 from a local loan shark to buy a new washing machine.

 

 

 

But when she fails to repay the loan on time, the loan shark demands more than £1,500 and uses violence against her as she struggles to find the money to repay him.

The film was aired on Tuesday to an audience that included members of Dramatic Action, who each received an award for their efforts.

Val Hulme, customer engagement project officer at Bolton at Home — which operates more than 18,000 former council properties in the borough — said: “The film shows the ruthless violence, and the threat of violence, used by illegal money lenders to prey on vulnerable people on low incomes who often feel there is nowhere else they can go for financial support.

“The screening was an opportunity to reinforce the message that we will continue to work with our partner agencies to combat illegal money lending in Bolton, helping to make our communities safer.”

Bongani Ndlovu, member of Dramatic Action, added: “Getting involved has been inspiring for me.

“Raising awareness in communities is important and the drama really seems to work as opposed to a leaflet.

 

 

“I have loved being involved.”

Tony Quigley, head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team — which supported the project — said: “Loan sharks have a horrific impact on individuals and communities.”

Anyone who needs to speak to people in confidence about illegal money lenders should call 0300 5552222.

The drama was filmed earlier this year when Dramatic Action performed at an event at St Gregory’s Social Club, Farnworth.