HAMPSHIRE Credit Union (HCU) will become the fourth pop-up shop occupiers on Bridge Street in Andover from Monday, 9 December.

In the two week run-up to Christmas, HCU will be offering advice and services to people who may find it difficult to access mainstream financial services.

This move follows successful stints over the past nine weeks by three local businesses including Phil Evans Photography, The Travelling Cupcake and Wow! Cosmetics.

HCU offers current accounts, savings, employee saving schemes, ISAs and affordable loans, which are ethical and local.

The credit union enables people to save money safely and gain a good rate of interest on their savings, avoiding the need to borrow money from loan sharks.

Councillor Ian Carr, leader of the council, said: “I’m delighted that HCU is taking over the pop-up shop for the two remaining weeks prior to Christmas.

“The organisation offers a valuable year-round service to Test Valley residents who maybe experiencing financial difficulty.

Having the credit union in the heart of the town, just prior to Christmas, will enable residents to drop-in and find out how best to manage their finances while supporting Andover by shopping locally.

Tammy Hillman for HCU said: “The pop-up shop provides a fantastic opportunity for the credit union to deliver advice and services in the heart of the town to the people of Andover.

“The current economic climate has led to an increase in financial difficulties for many residents in Test Valley and across Hampshire.

“I would encourage anyone who is concerned about their finances to pop in to learn about the help we can provide through such services as affordable loans and our JamJar account, to better manage their finances.

“I am grateful to the council for giving us this opportunity.”

As the pop-up shop has proved so successful, the council is keen to continue working in partnership with letting agents, private landlords and other local independent businesses to facilitate another pop-up shop in the town centre using a vacant retail unit.