AN initiative to fight back against the loan sharks is to be launched in the Sale West area of Trafford.

The council has teamed up with a number of agencies, including the police and the National Illegal Money Lending Team, for a week of action.

The scheme, which also involves Sale West residents and is backed by the Sale West and Ashton Partnership, aims to tackle the impact of loan shark operations on the area.

Trafford’s loan shark week of action begins on March 3 and is aimed at all sections of the community. School assemblies will engage 8-11 year-olds, who will be encouraged to take part in a poster competition.

Frontline staff in several agencies, individuals and volunteer groups will be given training to enable them to spot any signs of loan shark activity.

Anyone wanting more details of further activities, dates and venues can go to Facebook at facebook.com/stoploansharksproject or Twitter @swvm33.

Sale West residents will also be receiving a questionnaire which will include information on the area’s credit union and other support available.

Inspector Laura Burgess from Trafford South integrated neighbourhood policing team added: "The activities of these individuals can cause misery among communities. We are pleased to be working with partner agencies to tackle this problem. I urge Sale West residents to contact the telephone number which will be displayed on banners and posters if they wish to discuss this issue."

There are several ways people can report a loan shark including:

* Calling the 24/7 confidential hotline number 0300 555 2222 Texting 'loan shark and your message' to 60003 Emailing reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

* Logging on to direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject