Acomb Banking Hub plans progress
Westfield ward Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Waller is encouraging local residents to attend a drop-in session being held next month about plans to establish a Banking Hub in Acomb to serve residents across the area.
Cllr Waller met with Cash Access UK – which operates Banking Hubs in communities that have lost their bank branches – in May this year following the announcement by Halifax of their intention to close their Acomb branch, which is the last bank left in the area. Following that meeting, and a subsequent meeting with Halifax at which Cllr Waller presented a petition opposing the branch closure, work has progressed on plans to establish a Banking Hub for Acomb.
There is now an opportunity for residents to learn more about what a Banking Hub is and how it will operate, with a drop-in session to be held at Acomb Working Men’s Club on Front Street on Thursday 7th November from 6.30pm.
Cllr Waller is encouraging local residents to attend the drop-in session. He said “Many local people rely on access to face-to-face banking services and are keen to understand what services a Banking Hub can provide which will complement the services already available through the local Post Office. It’ll also be important to get a clarification whether internal and external cash machines will be available as part of the new Banking Hub.”
“I was assured by Halifax that they will not close their Acomb branch until the new Banking Hub is up and running, which gives me confidence that there will not be a gap in provision which would disadvantage those residents who can’t do their banking over the internet.”
Cllr Waller recently went on a fact-finding visit to the Banking Hub in Knaresborough where he met with staff to find out more about the services on offer.
“The Knaresborough Banking Hub is very impressive, with customers able to access counter services during opening hours. And on each day there is a representative present from one of the major banks so that customers can get help and advice over and above regular counter services. I look forward to working with Cash Access UK, local residents, local businesses and the Post Office to help get the Acomb Banking Hub off the ground.”