THE BOROUGH'S credit union has received a boost from a national magazine report recommending credit union membership.

The Waltham Forest Community Credit Union in Walthamstow High Street now has 410 members, and the comprehensive Which? magazine study urges its readers to consider this method of savings and loans.

The community co-operative is run by a small staff and 70 volunteers and offers people who live, work or worship in the borough the chance to invest their savings or take out loans at extra low interest rates.

Peter Baldwin, president of the credit union, said: "We're delighted that such a well respected publication has given credit unions its stamp of approval."

The research found that some of the bigger credit unions often beat high street banks when it came to returns on savings, and the best ones "shame their bigger high street rivals when it comes to loans too".

Anyone interested in joining the union or helping out as a volunteer can call in at the offices or telephone 8520 8740.