Horwich is latest UK location nominated to get new Banking Hub
Horwich is to get the fifth Banking Hub in the UK, helping local people access banking services.
LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, has confirmed the town will benefit from new hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash.
There are currently four Banking Hubs up and running across the UK including Brixham (Devon), Cambuslang (Lanarkshire), Cottingham (East Riding of Yorkshire) and Rochford (Essex).
A Banking Hub is a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch but available to everyone. The hubs currently consist of a counter service that will be operated by Post Office staff, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments, and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to someone from their own bank about more complex issues. The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
In 2021, the banking industry agreed that following the closure of any bank branch, LINK will identify whether a community requires further cash services.
Additionally, any community without a branch can contact LINK directly and ask to be assessed for support. Following the announcement of the closure of Horwich’s last remaining bank branch, LINK has recommended the hub.
In addition to new Banking Hubs, other new innovations such as deposit services, and cash at the till, which allows retailers to provide free access to cash to consumers are beginning to appear across the country.
The Banking Hub will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, they will begin to engage with the local community and to start looking for potential sites.
John Howells, LINK CEO, said: “Access to cash and face-to-face banking services continues to be important for millions of people across the UK. Not everyone can, or is able to, go digital yet, so we’re pleased to announce a new banking hub to support the Horwich community.
As well as the banking hubs, communities need access to cash. There are a range of existing services that are being expanded or others that have been recently launched, including: Free ATMs, Post Office counter services, free deposit/SME business services, cashback without purchase.
All the main high street banks are part of this work, and many bank and building society customers will be able to use the counter service at the hubs and get advice, support and information about banking matters. The banks involved are: Bank of Ireland UK, Barclays, Danske Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest, Santander, TSB, Virgin Money.
