THE crisis has been averted and a Wee County community bank will continue to operate, thanks to an agreement with Clackmannanshire Tenants & Residents Federation.

Clackmannanshire Credit Union will remain operational, offering its services to its 700 members after it managed to secure an agreement with the federation last week, sharing the former council office at 8 Bank Street in Alloa.

As reported throughout November, the future of the credit union hung in the balance as Clackmannanshire Council, by law, had to evict the financial co-operative from the former rent office at Tron Court, Tullibody.

The credit union officially had until last Wednesday, November 30, to leave its administrative base, vital for processing transactions and back office work.

In a statement, the federation said: “Clackmannanshire Tenants & Residents Federation are delighted to welcome Clackmannanshire Credit Union to share their premises at 8 Bank Street, Alloa - formerly old rent office.

“We see this as a new partnership initiative which will help our tenants and residents, in fact all residents within Clackmannanshire.”

It is understood the credit union has since managed to secure a collection point at Tullibody Healthy Living on Tron Court on Thursday afternoons from January 12 next year. Hours are to be confirmed.

The community bank is now looking ahead as it hopes to recruit more volunteers to secure its future on the long-run.

Volunteers need to be a member of the credit union and can take on a number of different roles, helping the organisation while boosting their own CV.

They could be trained as tellers or they could be doing a number of duties administrating in the back office, making sure everything runs smoothly.

The credit union is also keen to hear anyone who may be interested in developing its website and social media profile.

Those helping out can get good experience for their CV, learn new skills and enjoy the social aspect of being in a group with like-minded people, all while contributing something to the community.

Get in touch is via clackscu@btconnect.com.