Where to go from the Co-op Bank?
Many of us felt bereft when the Co-operative Bank was rescued from disaster only through a take-over bid from an outfit with no interest in its ethical policy. Anyone who cared about that was left wondering how to find a harmless alternative home for such money as we have managed to save.
Far the best bet is a Credit Union. Every district has one, though it will not budget for advertising because it is not there to make private profit. A Credit Union is a strictly local co-operative bank that exists to help people in its area to meet their needs and run small businesses. They are not handers-out of charity, because their books have to balance like those of any bank, but they can be a godsend in the face of tough economic circumstances.
Arran’s Credit Union is in Kilwinning, but you don’t have to go there. If you happen to be on the mainland, you’ll find them at 147 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 7AG, but it’s very easy to contact them online at www.allianceayrshire.co.uk. If you prefer to phone them on 01294 557123, there’s no queue and they don’t play you dreadful music for half an hour. A real person answers and is friendly and nice. They offer online banking, so you can manage your account completely on your computer screen if you prefer. The contact box on their site works very promptly.
The Ayrshire Credit Union is part of a group called 1st Alliance and is, its website says, ‘… the leading community-owned financial service provider within Ayrshire.’ It continues, ‘We pride ourselves on a personal service that delivers, and never compromise on putting you, the member, first.’ It offers ‘secure savings, attractive loan packages, pre-paid debit card and a transparent bank account. We are first and foremost a member-based Ethical Community Co-operative, operating throughout Ayrshire.’
Sounds good to us.
