A LOAN firm has agreed to help publicise a family finances event organised by Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy after one of its staff was apparently caught attacking her anonymously on the internet.

Wonga.com has apologised after messages were posted on Twitter calling Ms Creasy "mental" and a "raving self-publicist".

The Labour member has gained national prominence as a fierce critic of payday lenders and has been waging a campaign for new legislation for a limit on the fees so-called 'legal loan sharks' charge.

Following the Twitter controversy Wonga said it would help leaflet residents in the borough about Ms Creasy's 'Free Family Finances Fair'.

It takes place on Saturday (November 24) between 10.30am and 4pm at Mission Grove School in Buxton Road, Walthamstow.

She said: "This practical event is to help local people get the best deals they can on their utility bills as well as advice on job hunting, housing, our local credit union and how to manage debt.

"Over twenty organisations will be represented and there's lots of fun things for children to do too including facepainting and the toy library.

"Together we can defend Walthamstow from falling into a spiral of debt as living costs rise and keep these predatory pay day loan companies at bay".

A spokeswoman for Wonga said: "I can confirm that we have been happy to help Stella Creasy promote the family finance fair this weekend.

"As far as I understand we are helping her print and distribute leaflets".

Ms Creasy has accused payday loan firms of charging "extortionate" fees which can have a devastating impact on the most vulnerable people in society.


Wonga charges a typical annual rate of 4,214 per cent on its loans, but says the figure is misleading because it never lends cash for more than a month.