A Wirral town that has seen every bank branch close down would be the ideal choice for the new-style banking hubs being rolled out elsewhere in the UK.
That’s the call by Councillor Vida Wilson who has heard how the closure of banks in Moreton is inconveniencing residents and businesses.
Banking hubs operate in a similar way to bank branches, but their services are shared, with banks providing staff on rotation so that trained specialists from different banks are available on different days.
The first banking hubs, which are still open for business, were piloted last year.
Four more banking hubs will open in communities across the UK – taking the total planned to 27. They were set up by the Access to Cash Action Group and Link, the ATM network.
Councillor Wilson has now written to the group and Link to request action to restore banking to Moreton: “In the last few years, Moreton has seen Lloyds, Natwest, HSBC, Barclays and Santander all shut up shop and leave our town.
“This has left almost 20,000 residents without local banking services.
“A few months ago, the Council agreed unanimously that local banking services are essential for those residents who are not online and for local businesses that still need to deposit cash or prefer face to face contact.”
One of the residents backing the call is Colin Baldwin, seen here with Cllr. Wilson outside the former Barclays Bank on Hoylake Road: “The banks have been bailed out with billions from the taxpayer – it’s not fair that local communities should suffer as the banks seek to cut costs.
“Local banks and building societies, like post offices and libraries, are essential parts of what makes a thriving local community.
“I really hope that we can see a banking hub brought to Moreton.”
The hubs have counter services operated by Post Office staff, where you can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions – regardless of who you bank with.
In addition, there are private spaces where customers can speak to someone from their own bank about more complex issues. These will work on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
