Following Graham’s success in forcing LINK to re-open its decision to rely on Hedon’s Post Office following the closure of Lloyds on 28th January 2026, Graham met with representatives of LINK, the body responsible for cash access in the UK.
Graham, supported by local councillors John Dennis, Sue Steel and Steve Gallant, has been at the forefront of Hedon’s battle to maintain access to cash. The campaigning MP has secured almost 2,000 signatures on his petition calling for a Banking Hub, which residents can sign at www.grahamstuart.com/HedonBank
Graham will return to Hedon on Saturday 22nd November to continue supporting the fight for Hedon’s access to cash.
In the meeting, Graham highlighted that LINK made the decision to force Hedon to rely on the Post Office for its cash needs without having taken into account the fact that the Post Office is a small, cramped shop without disabled access, proper security or privacy.
Graham challenged LINK’s Computer Says No approach, which will leave Hedon and the surrounding area, with a population of 16,679, without access to cash or banking service.
LINK requires a population of 10,000 adults and 70 shops to consider a banking hub. LINK has assessed Hedon’s high street as having just 39 shops, though Graham challenged how they arrived at this methodology. Crucially, this figure only includes shops in the Hedon’s ‘retail centre’. Graham challenged how LINK came to this number, since it doesn’t include shops in villages like Preston, Paull and Thorngumbald.
The Post Office in Hedon, located in the Occasions card shop, is seen by most in Hedon as too small and insecure to effectively take the role of Hedon’s bank. The decision had been made without consultation with Claire, the subpostmaster.
Banking Hubs provide deposits, withdrawals as well as rotating banking services by the main banks. While Banking Hubs represent a significant investment from the banks, LINK can also recommend new cash machines or even an ‘assisted cash service’, which could handle both deposits and withdrawals.
LINK is expected to complete its review next week (w/e 28th November)
Graham said, “With your overwhelming support, we have successfully forced LINK to take a serious look at their ‘Computer Says No’ decision.
“Hedon is a historic, proud town in its own right and deserves proper banking services, just as we secured in Withernsea and Hornsea.
“The fact that LINK assumed the Post Office could cope without even speaking to the Subpostmaster is unacceptable.
“My fight is not just about access to cash, it is about supporting local businesses and protecting our most vulnerable residents. I will continue to hold LINK to account until we have a practical, robust solution that truly meets the needs of Hedon and the surrounding villages.”
Cllr Sue Steel said, “It’s not just shoppers in Hedon but farmers and businessmen from all around South West Holderness who need a banking hub.
“I hope that LINK is listening to Graham and will deliver one.”
Joyce Whittle, local resident, said, “It is great to know LINK have taken concerns of residents and businesses in Hedon and surrounding villages seriously.
“Without alternative provision for cash access and banking facilities for residents and businesses our town centre and community will suffer .
“Many residents who cannot ,or do don't want, to use online banking, will be severely affected.
“The loss of our banking and cash facilities will clearly have a negative affect on our community and town centre.
“We now need the right decision for Hedon, a banking hub and replacement 24 hour ATMs”
