With a new banking hub set to open in Abergele next month, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar met up with LINK last week to discuss the new facility and how it will benefit local residents.
A banking hub is a shared banking space, like a traditional bank branch but available to everyone.
After Abergele saw the closure of seven banks in the town over the years, Darren made repeated requests to LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, for a hub to be opened in the town.
He was therefore thrilled early last year when it was announced that the Abergele was one of the latest towns in the UK selected for a hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash
Since that time, Darren has been in regular discussion with LINK over the new facility and in his most recent meeting, which took place last week with Public Affairs Manager for LINK Scheme Ltd, Adam Wilkinson, next month’s opening was on the agenda, along with access to cash and the benefits of banking hubs.
Commenting after the meeting, Darren said:
“Whilst there are a number of ATMs nearby and a Post Office, there are currently no banks in Abergele and residents have to travel to Colwyn Bay or Rhyl to visit their branch, so this hub is much needed, and I know that residents are really looking forward to it opening in just a matter of weeks now.
“In towns where hubs have already been installed, they have proved to be a great success. Prestatyn Banking Hub opened before Christmas and is well used by residents of all ages.
“The hubs have a counter service where customers of all main banks can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments, and carry out regular banking transactions. Also, they have 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. The aim is that all the main banks in the area will take part in the rota.
“It was good to catch up with LINK to discuss the upcoming opening of the new Banking Hub, which will be located at 67 Market Street, the former Barclays Bank Banking, and to thank them for all that they are doing to ensure people can still easily access cash.
“I very much forward to the new hub opening in Abergele very soon and will update residents once an exact date has been confirmed.”
