Graham met staff at Withernsea Banking Hub in the SHoRes Centre for an update on the services being provided in the town.
In May 2023, Graham promised to protect local people’s access to cash following the news that the Lloyds branch in Withernsea would be closing in March.
After months of meetings and updates with Cash Access UK and South East Holderness Councillors Lyn Healing and Sean McMaster, a banking hub opened in the SHoRes Centre on Seaside Road in February.
During his visit, Graham was given a tour of the Hub’s facilities, which include a cash machine, a Post Office counter service which is used to carry out regular cash transactions Monday-Friday, and meeting rooms where local people can meet with community bankers who help them carry out more complex banking services.
Five different banks work on rotation in the Hub, with a different bank available each day of the week from 9am-5pm unless stated otherwise:
Monday: HSBC
Tuesday: Lloyds Bank
Wednesday: Santander
Thursday:NatWest
Friday: Halifax (9am-1pm)
Graham was accompanied on his visit by Councillors Lyn Healing and Sean McMaster. In their conversation with Andrew Phipson (Banking Hub Operator) and Tina Wilkinson (Banking Hub Assistant), they stressed the importance of the Hub moving to a permanent location in the town as soon as possible.
Andrew and Tina assured them all that progress is being made by Cash Access UK to deliver this in a central location in Withernsea and that they would continue to update them regularly.
Andrew Phipson, Banking Hub Operator, commented: “We were pleased to welcome Graham to Withernsea Banking Hub and show him the facilities which enable local people and businesses to access key banking services in a quick and convenient way.
“It is important that a permanent location is found for the Hub at the earliest possible date and I know my colleagues at Cash Access UK are working hard to deliver this in Withernsea.
“We will continue to update Graham and the councillors on the progress that is being made to make this happen.”
South East Holderness Councillor Lyn Healing said: “Graham, Councillor McMaster and I recently visited the banking hub at the Shores Centre, where it is temporarily based until a new permanent location is available in town.
“The hub is performing exceptionally well, with many residents relying on it for their daily banking needs.
“We were reassured that progress is being made in identifying a permanent home, and Councillor McMaster and I will continue to receive updates as this work progresses.
Graham Stuart said: “For everyone from shop owners to pensioners, easy access to a bank is vital.
“That’s why I was pleased to visit the Banking Hub in SHoRes to meet the staff and hear first-hand how they’re delivering this important service in the town.
“Lyn, Sean and I know there’s work to be done to ensure the Hub moves to a permanent location in the town, and we will continue to work together to make sure this is provided.”
