Banking hub plan to boost cash access

The hub would be located in an empty retail unit

A new banking hub to ensure everyone has access to cash is planned for a town.

The proposed facility would be in an empty retail unit on Newbottle Street in Houghton-le-Spring.

Banking hubs are a shared space where customers of any bank can withdraw or deposit cash, pay bills, and make other transactions.

Sunderland City Council's planning department is expected to reach a decision by early September.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Cash Access UK had applied for planning permission to convert the "existing vacant unit into a retail banking hub with internal and external alterations", including a "new ATM machine".

If approved it would operate under the Post Office Banking Hub brand, with counter service operated by Post Office employees.

Staff from different banks would work on different days on a rotating basis.

In addition, it was noted there would be "private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy".

A statement on the Post Office website notes the wider banking hubs initiative recognises "how important in-person banking still is for many people".

The statement added: "Soon, you'll be able to access personal and business banking services, pay bills and get help from community bankers, all in person."