Banking hub opens after loss of town's branches

The hub has been welcomed by the town's business chiefs

A banking hub has opened following the closure of a town's last bank branch.

Owner Cash Access UK said the facility in Cockermouth, Cumbria, would enable people to access services from several banks at one location.

It comes after the loss of Barclays earlier this year with HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santander also having left the town.

Joe Murray, chair of the Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said the hub on Main Street would provide an "essential service".

Run by the Post Office, customers of all major banks and building societies will be able to carry out cash transactions at the counter.

For more complicated queries, a community banker service will run Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 17:00, allowing customers to speak to staff from their bank.

The community bankers will work on rotation with each bank or building society operating from the hub one day per week:

• Monday: Halifax

• Tuesday: NatWest

• Wednesday: Barclays

• Thursday: HSBC

• Friday: Lloyds

A community banker from HSBC will be joining the hub soon, according to Cash Access UK.

Cat Farrow, the firm's customer and strategy director, said the site's opening ensured "crucial access to cash and face-to-face banking services for residents and businesses across the community".

Mr Murray also welcomed the development.

"We've all seen the decline of High Street banking that's been going on for several years, so this is a service the town needs.

"We're pleased the hub has been able to open relatively quickly.

"We have a wide demographic in Cockermouth and some people do still rely on going into a bank. For them, it's an essential service.

"It also makes things easier for businesses when it comes to things like paying in money."

A temporary hub had been operating from Cockermouth Scout Centre since March while the building was being developed.