Calne Town Councillor Bobby Seymour is asking residents and local businesses whether they would use the town's Banking Hub if it opened on Saturdays, after being told current usage figures do not justify extending its opening hours.
In this contribution to the Calne News councillors' column, Cllr Seymour explains why he believes the figures may not tell the whole story and is asking people to share their views.
By Cllr Bobby Seymour, Calne Central
I recently contacted Cash Access UK to explore the possibility of opening Calne's Banking Hub on Saturdays.
Currently, the Hub operates from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For residents who work during these hours, particularly those working full-time, this can make accessing its services difficult.
Cash Access UK has informed me that, following a recent review, Calne's current usage figures do not justify extending its opening hours. They also highlighted the availability of alternative banking services through local Post Offices and cash machines.
Whilst I appreciate the need to ensure services are financially sustainable, I do wonder whether existing usage figures tell the whole story.
After all, if someone cannot visit the Banking Hub because they are at work during its opening hours, they are hardly going to appear in its usage figures.
I am not suggesting that Saturday opening should be introduced without consideration of the costs or demand. However, I believe it is worth establishing whether there is a genuine need before ruling it out.
Cash Access UK has confirmed that some Banking Hubs are now trialling Saturday opening, and I would welcome the opportunity to explore whether a similar arrangement could benefit Calne.
I would particularly like to hear from local residents and businesses. Would you use the Banking Hub if it opened on a Saturday? Are its current opening hours preventing you from accessing banking services?
I would welcome your views and experiences, which will help me establish whether there is sufficient local demand to take this matter further.
Residents can contact me by email at
Cllr Bobby Seymour
Town Councillor for Calne Central
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