Town welcomes permanent banking hub after campaign

A permanent banking hub has opened in a town after years of campaign work.

The facility on the High Street in Westbury, Wiltshire, is operating in a former Barclays bank building which shut in 2019.

It is the third banking hub to open in the county, with similar services already in Calne and Royal Wootton Bassett.

"It's brilliant news," said Westbury's mayor, Jane Russ. "But the irony is not lost on the whole of Westbury that the banking hub is going into a building which was a bank. The [return of a] banking hub and a post office are two things we've worked doggedly on."

Banking hubs offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers can carry out cash transactions, ask questions and receive advice.

Westbury's new banking hub was recommended by LINK, the UK's ATM network, after a community request and campaign work by residents, Westbury Town Council and former mayor Sheila Kimmins.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK, which runs the facility, said it would ensure "crucial access to cash and face-to-face banking services for residents and businesses across the community".

While the new hub was being refurbished, a temporary one was set up at the Laverton building in Westbury.

It is hoped the permanent location will complement Westbury's rotunda project, which will see a space near the town's library used to host more events.

Ms Russ said: "The temporary banking hub was a little out of town and up a hill which meant it wasn't useful for everyone. I'm delighted this new permanent hub has been sorted out.

"By the time we've got the rotunda sorted, this will all suddenly alter the whole feel of the high street in Westbury. If a town looks loved, it will be."

The official opening of the banking hub will take place on 9 January at 11:00 GMT, with campaigner Val Jarvis - who launched a petition to reinstate banking services to Westbury - set to cut the ribbon.

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