Banking hub 'important for the local community'

A new banking hub has opened in a part of Hull where a high street branch is due to close.

The temporary facility at the Oasis Church on Newland Avenue offers a counter service operated by the Post Office and will provide services for most major banks.

In January, Lloyds Banking Group announced the closure of more than a hundred branches across the UK including the Newland Avenue site, which is due to shut on 14 May.

The hub has been started by Cash Access UK, an organisation set up to protect access to cash, which has also opened a temporarily facility on Providence Row in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire.

Gary Mitchell, operator of the Hull banking hub, said: "It's mainly the older generation that will rely on us but it gives people a reason to leave the house, which is positive."

The Hull and Market Weighton hubs follow the launch of four others in the county - Cottingham, Hessle, Hornsea and Withernsea.

Gareth Oakley, the chief executive officer of Cash Access UK, said: "The hub is available for banking transactions every day of the week, and for more specific or complex enquiries, a community banker will be onsite to assist on designated days."

Claire Thomas, leader of the Oasis Hub in Hull, said the facility in the church would allow people to continue accessing banking services.

She said: "I live in the local community as well as working here, so I know how important being able to get to a local bank is for lots of people so its lovely to be able to offer it from here."

"We are a really welcoming and inclusive space."

Cash Access UK said it was also working to secure a long-term home for the banking hub in Hull, which would offer the same services.

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