SHADOW Work and Pensions Secretary Margaret Greenwood MP has visited Bolton as part of Labour’s crusade against poverty.

Mrs Greenwood joined Bolton Council leader Linda Thomas to visit The Square, a council-supported hub which provides help to those who most need it.

“I’m really impressed by the welcoming atmosphere, it’s the sort of place you’d want to come to to get help,” she said.

“So many people struggle financially at the moment, we’ve got a real crisis of in-work poverty, as well as all the troubles people are having with universal credit.

“Having a place like this where people can come and get financial support is massively important, and it’s in an environment that doesn’t feel stigmatised.”

The council-owned building on Victoria Square is leased by Bolton at Home and is the base for a number of partner organisations.

These include Furniture 4U, which provides interest-free loans to help customers access household furniture and white goods. It is run by credit union Hoot, and also offers financial advice and support to customers.

The Salvation Army Housing Association and Bolton Age UK are also based there.

Ian Ankers of Bolton at Home, said: “If we tried to do this individually we’d never have been able to afford this building. Bringing in partners increases collaboration and we can refer customers on to each other and provide access to expert signposting.

Praising the partnerships, Mrs Thomas said: “You can only do this when you’ve got people who are prepared to work with you.

“It was the right thing to do.”

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