A UNIQUE shop offering financial services, household items and white goods has been opened in Bolton town centre.

Bolton Council and a number of partners have launched “The Square” in the former Millets store in Victoria Square — offering residents furniture and white goods at affordable prices, with the option of low cost credit.

In the initiative — believed to be one of the first in the country — the council has teamed up with housing provider Bolton at Home, charity Age UK and Bolton’s credit union Hoot to open the store.

The Square is aiming to be an alternative to some high street stores which offer weekly payments for goods at high rates of interest.

There will also be opportunities for people to access a range of money and debt advice.

The store will be funded by the council and its partners, with the authority’s share coming from its £1m anti-poverty fund.

Residents will be able to walk into the new retail unit and look at furniture and white goods on display — there will also be an online catalogue of further goods available.

Customers can pick an item and either buy it outright or be directed to the Hoot Credit Union where they can discuss a loan for purchasing the item, with affordable rates of interest.

The council’s money, skills and benefits advisors will also be on hand to offer practical advice.

As well as offering affordable loans to residents for goods, Hoot will also have its own section for its services.

Age UK Bolton will also have a base where residents will be able to access a wide range of products and services.

The Information and Advice service covers areas such as benefits and entitlements, pensions, housing, home and residential care, will-making service and free legal advice.

Age UK also offers travel, car and home insurance and funeral plans and energy packages.

The Square will also act as a gateway to Age UK’s Befriending service, its network of lunch and leisure clubs and the Home from Hospital service that offers practical and emotional support for people who have just left hospital.

The building will also house the offices of the Salvation Army Housing Association.

Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Social Inclusion, Cllr Kate Lewis, said: “We hope that the combination of affordable household goods, financial services and money advice provided by the council, the credit union and its partners will assist people on low incomes with buying goods, without getting into further debt.

David Batten, manager of Hoot Credit Union said: “The credit union does not just provide credit to people who are financially excluded or in debt, but is a safe and ethical place for anyone to save or borrow money, so we would encourage any residents looking for a new savings account or loan to come and chat to us.”

Suzanne Hilton from Age UK Bolton added: “Why not come and see us in our new home at The Square to find out about everything that we have on offer through Age UK to make your later life a little more comfortable? While you’re there do join us in a cuppa at our Brew Station on the ground floor, where you can browse the literature or just have a chat with one of our friendly staff or volunteers.”