Islwyn MP is calling on LINK to open a banking hub in Risca following the announcement of the closure of Barclays in Risca.
Mr Evans has therefore written to LINK requesting that they take over banking services in the area, stressing the need for access to cash.
LINK work to ensure access to banking services and have recently announced the opening over 50 new banking hubs across the UK, particularly in areas who have faced recent bank closures.
The new banking hubs are a shared space, similar to a traditional bank branch but available to everyone. The hubs currently consist of a counter service that will be operated by Post Office staff, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments, and carry out regular banking transactions.
LINK have stated that there will also be private spaces where customers can speak to someone from their own bank about more complex issues. The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
Over recent years, the closure of banks has been steadily increasing. Last year, HSBC announced they were closing their branch in Blackwood, which was the third branch to close in the area following Risca and Newbridge. At the time, Mr Evans raised his concerns about this closure and the impact this will have on those who cannot travel or do not have access to online services.
Chris Evans MP said:
‘Recently, too many banking services have closed in Islwyn and across the country. We need to find a new way to ensure resident’s access to their banking services and cash is protected.
I am pleased to see the work Link are doing to set-up new banking hubs to ensure this vital access is protected and I want to call on LINK to urgently set-up a hub in Risca. I know residents are deeply concerned about banking services in the area, and I believe a new hub is essential.’
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Notes to editor:
Currently, there are a number of banks involved in the scheme, including:
- Bank of Ireland UK
- Barclays
- Danske Bank
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- Nationwide Building Society
- NatWest
- Santander
- TSB
- Virgin Money
For more information on link – https://www.link.co.uk/about/news/eight-new-banking-hubs-confirmed-following-closures/
