EXPERTS and helpers are banding together to fight poverty in Burnley.

Burnley Council is staging a "Making Ends Meet Advice Day" at the Mechanics in the town next Thursday, to coincide with United Nations International Day to Eradicate Poverty.

The day will be run in tandem with Burnley Credit Union as it is also National Credit Union Day.

They are using the occasion to launch their new "shop front'' offices on St James Street.

The advice day will be attended by organisations who can offer help and advice on making ends meet.

They include Burnley Community Advice Centre, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Age Concern, Burnley's Local Exchange Trading Scheme, Burnley Staying Put, the Helpline, South West Burnley Community Development Trust and many others. Council services will also be at the event to offer information and advice on the services provided by the local authority to local residents.

A free and confidential advice service on money, benefits and debt will also be available.

Interpreters will be on hand to help anyone with language difficulties.

A free creche facility and free refreshments will also be available.

Coun Alice Thornber said: "Many people are experiencing more and more difficulty in making ends meet while a few are doing nicely.

"We must form a local alliance of all concerned people and organisations to take real practical action to help.

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