MTBCU) was established in October 1998 by community members. They identified the need to tackle issues such as social and financial exclusion, unlicensed lenders (loan sharks) and regeneration.
In October 1999, the first collection point opened in Pontmorlais and in June 2002 the Credit Union secured funding to employ their first ever full-time member of staff.
By the time the Credit Union celebrated their 10th Anniversary they had moved locations a few times but in the May of that year they relocated to larger rented accomodation at the top end of Pontmorlais. This was their first “shop fronted” premises; membership was around 1,200; we had over 60 volunteers and 6 members of staff who were involved with the running of the business.
In 2010 the Credit Union were successful in securing funding from the Welsh Government and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council to purchase and refurbish premises within the Borough and in April 2011 the office was opened at 139 High Street.
Since the move the Credit Union has gone from strength to strength. By the time they celebrated their 15th Anniversary, they had over 4,500 members, 60+ volunteers and 10 members of staff.
Want to find out more?
Visit the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union website, or get in touch with their team:
Telephone – 01685 377888
Email – info@mtbcu.org.uk
Copyright British Credit Union Historical Society 2018 – All rights reserved
British Credit Union Historical Society 