Two local credit unions to merge

Chloe Hughes
BBC News, West Midlands
Getty Images A woman is smiling and looking down at a piece of paper with a pen in her other hand. She is wearing a blazer and shirt. Opposite her is the back of a man in a blue shirt. Behind them is a large windowGetty Images
The two businesses said they had served the same communities for many years

Two Shropshire-based credit unions have announced plans to merge.

Shrewsbury-based Just Credit Union and Telford-based FAIRShare Credit Union have served the same communities for a number of years.

Their boards said the merge would enable them to offer enhanced services, greater financial resilience, and better opportunities for their members.

"This is a move we have carefully considered for some time, and we are certain it will provide all our members and partners with the best possible service for the long term," said June Campbell, chair of Just Credit Union.

Both credit unions are member-owned and not-for-profit, providing local people with savings accounts and loans.

They said the merge would also enable investment in new technology services and products.

Matt Cuhls, chair of FAIRShare, said coming together was the "next logical step".

"Together we will be stronger," he added.

Both businesses said they were committed to consulting with their members on the change.

They said the changes would take time, and there would be no change to either of their services in the meantime.

Members can discuss the plans and ask questions at either credit union's annual general meetings in March.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.