LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, has today announced that Calne will be the latest site of a new banking hub.
Following a community request from Town Councillor Michael Hudston, LINK has confirmed it will benefit from a new banking hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash. Calne is the second location in Wiltshire to be recommended a banking hub with Royal Wooton Bassett’s hub set to open next year.
Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone. The hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, 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 community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy. 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. To date, LINK have recommended 101 banking hubs across the UK.
The banking hubs will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the local communities and to start looking for potential sites. It is likely to open in 2024.
Chris Ashton, Head of Banking Services, LINK: “Access to cash and face-to-face banking services continues to be important for millions of people across the UK. Not everyone is able to go digital yet, so we’re pleased to announce new cash services to support Calne. If any community believes it needs additional services such as a cash machine or banking hub, they can contact LINK directly and we can see if we can help.”
James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire: "I am delighted that Calne has secured a banking hub, this follows the news that Royal Wotton Bassett has also secured such a facility. Banking hubs and banks provide important access to cash for the communities that they serve especially in rural areas. I know that this news will be welcomed by Calne residents, and I look forward to working with LINK to see the hub open soon.”
Councillor Michael Hudston, Town Councillor for Calne Central Ward: “Improving access to cash and banking services for the residents of Calne has been a wish of mine since becoming a Town Councillor. Calne has lost a significant number of cash machines in the town centre in recent years, and its last bank shut during the pandemic. Calne is now the fourth largest town in Wiltshire by population and being recommended for a banking hub, is a great step forward. This will be particularly helpful to the growing number of vulnerable residents, who struggle to engage with the online only methods that many banks are now insisting on.”
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