The MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, is campaigning for a Banking Hub to be set up in Hedon. There are fears that the East Yorkshire town could lose vital banking services with town’s Lloyds Bank branch set to close in January.
In response to the ongoing trend of banks closing individual branches in many highstreets up and down the country, Banking Hubs have been popping up to give customers the chance to speak to their bank face-to-face. The hubs operate as a shared space that can be used by the major banks.
A number of the hubs have already been set up across the East Riding, in towns such as Market Weighton, Withernsea, and Cottingham. Now the Conservative MP, Mr Stuart, is attempting secure such a facility in Hedon.
LINK, the organisation which decides which areas require Banking Hubs has so far rejected the idea, suggesting the town does not meet their criteria for a Banking Hub, and could instead benefit from improvements being made to the town’s Post Office.
LINK’s assessment process states: “In medium sized places, where there are at least 40 shops, we might recommend better ways to deposit cash or assisted cash services where a lot of local people are vulnerable, and where they have to travel a significant distance to access cash. That could mean automated deposit services or a banking hub are delivered to serve the local area.” Their assessment found that Hedon High Street has 39 shops. LINK’s assessment also found that the nearest banking branch outside the High Street that serves both business and personal customers in the Virgin Money on Holderness Road, 4.7 miles away.
The MP has set up a petition that has been signed by over 1,300 people. Mr Graham has also recently hosted a rally in the town in a bid to show the local demand for a Banking Hub.
The MP recently issued an update on his ongoing campaign, saying LINK has reopened its assessment following the initial rejection. The MP is working with the local councillors who represent the South West Holderness ward at East Riding Council, the ward which contains Hedon. This includes cross-party cooperation with the Labour Party councillor, Steve Gallant.
Cllr Gallant has said: “Great news that LINK are reconsidering their position. But we need to keep up the pressure, so if you haven’t signed the petition, please do it now.”
Mr Graham added: “I’m fighting for Hedon to have the banking services its people deserve. I refuse to accept LINK’s ‘Computer Says No’ approach to our town and I know the people of Hedon are determined to protect the most vulnerable.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
