Calls for town banking hub as branch to shut
GoogleA banking hub has been recommended for a town set to lose its last remaining high street bank early next year.
Cash access body Link made the announcement for a hub in Whitehaven, Cumbria, as Santander confirmed its branch there would close by the end of January 2027.
Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has also started a petition calling for a banking hub in the town.
"For many residents, businesses and community groups, this isn't just inconvenient - it risks cutting people off from essential, face-to-face banking services," the petition said of the upcoming closure.
The facility in Whitehaven is one of four newly recommended hubs by Link, which are a shared space where people can do their banking. Staff from specific banks are available on different days.
There are currently some 210 hubs across the UK, including in Cockermouth and Maryport.
The Whitehaven Santander branch is one of 44 earmarked for closure between April and January.
Announcing the latest closures, the bank said 96% of its transactions are now done digitally.
It added that wherever a store is closing, a representative will operate from a nearby banking hub or Santander Local - locations in libraries and community centres where customers can seek help one day each week.
