Over 600 people have now signed the petition calling for a Banking Hub in Hedon. This incredible backing shows the strength of feeling across our community following the announcement that Lloyds will close in January 2026.
I wanted to give you an immediate update following my meeting with LINK, the body responsible for coordinating bank closures and assessing cash access needs.
The news wasn’t good. LINK say that Hedon won’t be able to get a Banking Hub due to a clear ‘Computer says No’ approach which didn’t particularly impress me.
LINK’s criteria for a Banking Hub generally require a town to have at least 70 shops and an adult population of 10,000. While our local area population (including surrounding villages) is strong enough to support a hub, LINK says the 39 shops in Hedon is insufficient to warrant a banking hub.
This is further exasperated by Hedon’s proximity to Hull and a Virgin Money on Holderness Road apparently means Hedon has sufficient banking services.
LINK won’t take banking services into account when making a decision about Banking Hubs so my representations on that score fell on deaf ears.
I won’t stop fighting for Hedon though. Despite this initial refusal based on bureaucratic criteria, I remain absolutely determined to fight for the banking services Hedon deserves.
We’re lucky to have a Post Office in Hedon which, like all Post Offices, provides many banking services, not least deposits and withdrawals for personal and businesses.
I’ve written to the Sub Postmaster to see how I can support the Post Office’s influx of customers, including making the Post Office more accessible.
I am working closely with Cllr John Dennis and Cllr Sue Steel as we shift our focus to supporting local access to cash and essential services.
Help Us Keep the Pressure Up: Please Share the Petition!
Though the news from LINK is not what we hoped for, the fight is far from over. The petition remains a vital indicator of community need.
If you haven't already, please share the petition with your friends, family, and neighbours. The greater the number of signatories, the louder our collective voice is as we appeal to the Post Office, Cash Access UK, and the banks to find a practical solution that fits the needs of our historic town.
And you can appeal LINK’s decision directly at https://www.link.co.uk/our-assessments/appeal-an-assessment?AppealText=Hedon&OutcomeReportURL=https://www.link.co.uk/media/nujkhws4/hedon-lloyds.pdf.
I would recommend highlighting the needs to the elderly, of whom there are many in and around Hedon, as well as the fact that Hedon is a central point for villages like Preston, Paull and Thorngumbald.
Thank you again for your continued support. I will keep you updated as we progress these actions.
This was originally sent to signatories to Graham's petition on 3rd October 2025
