CLACKS COUNCIL will “face a massive backlash” if it does not give time and support to help relocate a local community bank, an MSP has warned.

Green Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell is the latest politician to step in to make sure the future of Clackmannanshire Credit Union is secured.

His move comes after the local authority, “with no prior warning”, issued the credit union with a Notice to Quit its council-owned Tron Court administrative base – as previously reported in the Advertiser throughout November.

In his latest Political Stand (page 29), Mr Ruskell wrote: “I enjoyed a visit to the Clackmannanshire Credit Union last week, but was stunned to learn that they may be evicted by the end of the month from their premises in Tullibody.

“The council recognises the value of credit unions, but actions speak louder than words.

“They must give time and help to the credit union to relocate or face a massive backlash.”

With just a week to go until the notice comes into force, credit union bosses are desperate for a solution.

As previously reported, the financial co-operative was hoping to secure a shared tenancy with Clackmannanshire Residents and Tenants Federation at the former Bank Street council offices.

However, it is understood negotiations have been progressing slowly and the credit union's new home will also have to satisfy the requirements of regulating bodies.

The credit union is run by a small group of part-time volunteers, who need an administrative base to operate; transactions need to be processed securely and loan applications are to be discussed in private.

Its roughly 700 members could lose access to reasonably priced loans just ahead of the festive season. According to debt advice charity the Money Advice Trust, a third of Britons borrow money to pay for presents during Christmas, while one in five take on credit to pay for food.

Credit union directors also this Monday met with a council officer, following a request to meet chief executive Elaine McPherson. However, at the time of writing, no deal has been formalised to secure a tenancy for the community bank.

In a letter to Ms McPherson, bosses wrote: “Since then [receiving the notice] we have written to council officers and members and though we have received many messages of support, we have had nothing to guarantee the continuation of the credit union.”

They added they are grateful for the support the council has previously given as part of one of its corporate priorities, and which amounts to a Wednesday morning and a Thursday afternoon at Tron Court, as well as about four hours at a desk in the Speirs Centre each week for free.