BIDDING vs BANKS: People Sell Possessions On Online Auctions

A poll recently found that people in the North West are turning increasingly to online auction sites like eBay to sell personal possessions to help them through the recession, rather than applying for bank loans or other sources of conventional finance.

The ComRes survey of over 2000 people, published last week, finds that 30% of people in the North West say they have sold possessions on online auctions ‘in light of the current financial situation’.  11% surveyed admitted borrowing money from friends and family since the start of the recession in order to help them meet their outgoings.  But just 5% claimed they had sourced additional money from the high-street banking sector – the same amount of people who say they have pawned their belongings to make money.

The findings are published on the day that the UK’s community banking sector launches an awareness and action plan to raise the profile of the UK’s ‘community banks’.  The UK has over 70 so-called ‘community banks’ that make loans to individuals and businesses in local communities.

The sector is calling on the Government to support Britain’s 70 ‘community banks’ through the launch of an Action Plan which outlines the importance of additional Government support (following President Obama’s lead in the U.S.) and the development of a closer relationship between the high street banks and community banks to encourage referrals and share best-practice.

Women prefer online auctions to men:- The poll findings show that women are more likely to use online auctions over bank loans to raise finance:- 46% of women say they have or would consider using an online auction site to balance the household books compared to 43% of men

Half of 25 to 34’s turning to online auctions:- 47% of the 25 to 34s are using online auctions to raise extra cash compared to 35% of 18 to 24s and just 10% of the over 65’s.

High street banks suffering:- The findings show that high street bank loans are seen by very few as a viable way to raise finance.  People in the North East of England are most likely to get out a bank loan (7%) compared to just 3% of people in Wales and London.

Bernie Morgan, Chief Executive of the Community Development Finance Association, said:- “It’s great that people are able to turn to family and friends or to online auction houses to raise a bit of extra cash to help them through the difficult times.  But the findings also illustrate just how few people are willing or able to get access to high street bank loans.  That’s where the community banking sector comes into its own. 

The community banking sector exists to provide that extra support as and when people and businesses are most in need of financial support.  That’s why it is so important that people are made aware of their local community banks and are able to apply for loans.  And why the sector needs to be supported by the Government so it can continue making loans to individuals and businesses, particularly in the poorest parts of the North West.”

Merseyside Police supports Southport BAFD

MERSEYSIDE police are giving Southport there full support for this years British Armed Forces Day.  Chief Constable Hogan How is to lay a wreath at the cenotaph at the parade on Saturday, 27 June 2009.  And in the afternoon following the Southport Veterans Day Carnival, the Merseyside Police Band will play on Victoria Park.

The Carnival should arrive on the park at approximately 2 o'clock where stalls and displays have been arranged with children's activities and a refreshment tent.  The Police dog handlers will be doing a Meet and Greet around the park with their dogs.

Southport Veteran Day on Sunday, 28 June 2009 on Victoria Park see's the Merseyside Mounted Police display ones again treating Southport to a first class show.  We also have The Imps Motor Bike Display doing amazing stunts on al new British made bikes.  With bands, Army Vintage Vehicles, Fairground rides and displays it is set to be a great family day out.  And it's FREE.  For more information about Veterans Week see their advert page by clicking on here.

Event exploring Liverpool’s parks for the people

IN the run up to the opening of the new Museum of Liverpool in 2010, National Museums Liverpool (NML) is inviting the public to take part in a number of community activities to learn about their city, its history and development.Well timed to coincide with the Year of Environment 2009, one such activity taking place this June (2009), will look at the importance of parks and their history in Liverpool.

People’s Parks: history, regeneration and involvement will take place on Saturday, 27 June 2009, between 9:30am to 4pm at Merseyside Maritime Museum, and provide a full day of workshops and talks exploring the challenges of regeneration and
environment for local communities and how people can become more involved.  The free event has been arranged in partnership by the Museum of Liverpool and the Liverpool Parks Friends Forum (LPFF).  Clara Paillard, event coordinator said:- “The Liverpool Parks Friends Forum is committed to enhancing community participation in Liverpool Parks and is working with the City Council to do so.  Our green spaces are so important in this time of climate change, and the need for sustainable development is even more pressing.  The event on 27 June will offer people the chance to learn how they can get involved in changing and regenerating their local parks in order to achieve an inclusive approach to parks management, and is a fantastic opportunity for the LPFF to link with the new Museum of Liverpool and its fabulous programme of community involvement.”  The day includes workshops focusing on themes such as parks and controversies through history with local historian Frank Carlyle and creative nature conservation with Richard Scott from the National Wildflower Centre.  The day also includes a site visit to discover the ‘hidden side’ of Chavasse Park.  This is a free event, but places are limited.  To register by email  or call:- 0151 478 4063.  Registration closes on 19 June 2009 and community groups and members of the public are welcome to attend.