A COMMUNITY-based loan scheme has been launched in Trowbridge to help people resist the loan shark trap.

Following the launch of a similar scheme in Melksham, to which 100 people have already signed up, organisers launched Trowbridge's first Credit Union on Monday.

Located in the Studley Green Tenants and Residents Res- ource Centre, Manor Road, the Credit Union will be open from 2pm to 4pm every Monday.

Credit Unions en- courage members to save for a minimum of 13 weeks, before they can become eligible for low-interest loans.

Run by volunteers the union is regulated by the Financial Services Authority the same organisation that regulates high street banks and building societies.

Cllr Bob Brice said he welcomed the launch of the union, which he said, would stop people falling prey of loan sharks and high-interest lending schemes.