Following Graham’s well-attended rally in Hedon, Beverley and Holderness’s campaigning MP is continuing the battle to secure a banking hub for the market town.
At the rally in Market Place on Saturday, Graham heard residents’ concerns about losing vital banking services. Graham has pledged to continue fighting for a banking hub for the town, ensuring Hedon and the surrounding villages aren’t left behind.
His petition calling on LINK to back a Banking Hub has already gathered more than 1,300 signatures. The growing pressure has forced LINK, which initially rejected Hedon’s case in September, to reopen its assessment.
LINK previously claimed that the town’s Post Office, operating from a counter inside the Occasions card shop, could handle Hedon’s banking needs with minor adjustments. However, Sub Postmaster Claire says LINK has not been in touch about how the branch would cope with increased demand.
LINK’s requirements for a banking hub are a population of 10,000 and 70 shops. While Hedon and the surrounding villages satisfy the population requirements, there are only 39 shops meaning LINK would have to make an exception for Hedon, which is what Graham is fighting for.
Graham is now working with councillors from across parties — John Dennis (Con), Sue Steel (Con), and Steve Gallant (Lab) — alongside Hedon Town Council to challenge the decision.
Residents have dismissed LINK’s suggestion that installing a disabled access ramp at Occasions would make it fit for purpose, calling the idea “a joke.” The shop’s layout and lack of security make it unsuitable for handling the town’s banking needs, even by owner Claire.
Graham said, “I’m grateful to all who joined me to stand up for banking in Hedon.
“This proud, independent town needs a place where people can do their banking.
“The Post Office simply isn’t fit for purpose as it currently is, as Claire herself says. That means we need LINK to look again, and I won’t stop banging the drum for the people of Hedon to be treated fairly.”
Claire Cheeseman, Sub Postmaster at Occasions Post Office, said, “I don’t think we’d be able to cope as the shop stands now. I think we might need an extra Post Office counter and an extra member of staff to cover the footfall, but I’ve had no contact from Link about what to do!”
Katherine Acres (Hedon resident) said, “The bank isn’t just servicing Hedon. It’s servicing twelve villages, well over 10,000 people and people come here for all sorts of reasons.”
Cllr Steve Gallant (SW Holderness, Lab) said, "Great news that LINK are reconsidering their position. But we need to keep up the pressure, so if you haven't signed the petition, please do it now."
Cllr John Dennis (SW Holderness, Con) said, “‘It’s appalling to think that, after hundreds of years, the residents of Hedon and neighbouring villages could be abandoned in such a high-handed manner. Hedon is the senior town of Yorkshire and deserves better! We’ve already lost most of our facilities over the years.
“Residents of the area of South West Holderness , and the many small businesses (mine included), should continue to have access to the financial facilities which have enabled the many traders and professional companies to provide the services which we so desperately need.
“If you share my concerns, please sign Graham’s petition and join in the actions of the campaign. Make sure your concerns are made public.
“The feelings of hundreds of residents about the issue were evident at Graham’s recent Street Surgery. There was no-one in Hedon’s Market Place in support of the change. Make sure your feelings are known too.”
