Neighbours. We all have them. They can become our acquaintances, our helpmates, our feudal enemies or our friends.

Love Thy Neighbour as yourself, Jesus said.

Sadly, not many do. I should know after suffering terrible abuse from mine in the past.

What makes a good neighbour? This varies from person to person. If you can’t bring yourself to love your neighbour as yourself, at least leave them alone! Whether it is bricks or nasty comments or plain intrusion, neighbours can do so much harm. Even ill informed tittle tattle can have a bad effect on someone.

I always find when people are malicious or gossip overly about others, that they are hiding deep-seated insecurities and should be pitied.

The Credit Union was formed to help Cheshire Neighbourhoods manage their money safely, cost effectively and provides a way to avoid the loan sharks.

Northwich branch is at the Information Centre and opens for business on Fridays from 10am to 12pm. They provide advice, Christmas savings accounts, ordinary savings accounts and very low cost loans.

It is an easy way to afford the Christmas season if you are on a low income, or need a quick loan that won’t charge you ridiculous interest.

Just pop in and the lovely ladies will help you to join and start saving NOW! Without Credit Union we would not have Christmas at all in our house. It is a lifeline for us.

Neighbourhoods are important. Each member of a community is important. No less than anyone else. No matter how different we all are. We are a family of sorts. Look after yourself and be kind to those less fortunate. The Universe has a way of paying you back!

If you know someone struggling with debt, please send them over to Credit Union or C.A.B. Don’t let the loan sharks win!