Hedon will get a new Cash Hub in the centre of town when Lloyds, the last bank in the town, closes on 28th January. This comes following a campaign by Graham, which was supported by Conservative and Labour councillors, alongside over 2,000 people who signed the MP’s petition.
A cash hub has been described as a ‘mini banking hub’ and looks like a counter, located in shop or business in the centre of town. It will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. It will be staffed by two Post Office employees and be secure for cash. It is an increasingly common sight as bank branches close and has proven to be popular in places like Willerby.
The cash services provided are the same as a banking hub: cash withdrawal and deposits for individuals with the same limits as a hub. People will be able to pay bills, but not giros (the same as a banking hub). Individuals will be able to pay in cheques but won’t be able to transfer money between accounts (this is a service only available in banking hubs when the bank rep is there).
Businesses will be able to deposit and withdraw cash and change in the same manner as a banking hub and disabled access is a priority for Graham.
Graham has spoken to two businesses about hosting the cash hub, both in the centre of Hedon. Cash Access UK is already undertaking a visit to the town, with a representative doing an initial search in Hedon today (Thursday 4th).
Once Lloyds closes in January the two ATMs outside the bank will close too. As part of conversations with LINK, Graham has got the NISA machine working and is in conversations about getting at least one more ATM installed in the centre of town.
Graham’s top priority is to ensure there isn’t a single day without banking services and is working with Lloyds to stay open until the hub is ready. At present, Lloyds will close on 28th January and Cash Access UK has set a target of the end of February. Graham is looking at ways the hub can open more quickly and Lloyds remain open until it does.
The Cash Hub will be opened as a result of Graham forcing LINK to re-open their appraisal of the town.
Graham added, “Getting a Cash Hub for Hedon is a win. After LINK’s original ‘Computer says no’ response, which infuriated so many people in Hedon, we’ve had a human come and look at the town and now it’s a resounding ‘Yes!’ to a Cash Hub.
“I may have wanted a Banking Hub, but a Cash Hub provides the access to cash and that’s the most important thing for a town like Hedon.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported this successful campaign, from the Labour and Conservative councillors to the Town Council, the businesses who have offered to host the hub, and of course everyone who signed the petitions, the businesses who gathered signatures and everyone who distributed leaflets, not least the indefatigable Joyce Whittle.
“I’m proud of how Hedon came together and I’m thrilled we got what this wonderful town needs.”
