Cash Access UK has announced the opening of its 100th UK hub, located in Darwen, Lancashire. The outlet offers a counter service operated by the Post Office and has launched in the former Altham’s Travel premises on Market Street. This development is significant, as Darwen has been without a high street bank since the closure of Santander in August 2021, followed by the departure of Lloyds in October 2021.
Cllr Kevin Connor, a borough councillor, described the bank closures at the time as “a bitter blow” for the town. However, the new banking hub has stepped in to fill the gap, offering a range of services to residents. The hub will be open from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm, and will provide a community banker service where customers can discuss more complicated issues with their bank on the same day as their bank’s attendance.
The banking hub is the third to be unveiled for East Lancashire, following similar facilities in Great Harwood and Barnoldswick. Another hub is scheduled to open in Bacup next February, according to the network. The hub is part of a wider initiative to bring banking services back to high streets across the UK.
The Darwen town centre is also home to the Jubilee Tower Credit Union offices, which offers saving services. The credit union provides an alternative option for residents who may not have access to traditional banking services.
Gareth Oakley, Chief Executive of Cash Access UK, expressed his delight at reaching this milestone. “Thanks to the exceptional industry collaboration from the banks that support us, I’m delighted that in such a short space of time we have been able to successfully open 100 banking hubs, as well as deliver 100 deposit services,” he said. Oakley noted that it has been a busy year for the company, with five hubs opening this week alone. He emphasized that access to cash and banking services remains vital for millions of individuals across the UK, despite more people choosing to bank and make payments digitally.
Neil Brocklehurst, Acting Chief Executive of the Post Office, added that he is thrilled about reaching this milestone. “I am thrilled that, as a result of the hard work of our partners Cash Access UK, our own hub team colleagues, and our postmasters who run the hubs, we have today officially opened the 100th banking hub,” he said. Brocklehurst noted that together, they are on their way to meeting the government’s target to open 350 Hubs by the end of Parliament.
The new banking hub is part of a wider effort to bring banking services back to high streets across the UK. The government has set a target of opening 350 Hubs by the end of Parliament, and Cash Access UK is making significant progress towards achieving this goal.
The importance of access to cash and banking services cannot be overstated. In recent years, there has been a decline in high street banks and ATMs, leaving many communities without easy access to these essential services. Cash Access UK’s efforts aim to fill this gap and provide residents with a convenient and accessible way to manage their finances.
The company’s commitment to bringing banking services back to high streets is evident in its rapid expansion across the UK. Since its inception, Cash Access UK has opened over 100 hubs, offering a range of services including cash withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments.
In addition to its physical hubs, Cash Access UK also offers digital services, allowing customers to manage their accounts and make transactions online. The company’s technology allows customers to access their accounts remotely, making it easier than ever to manage their finances from anywhere.
The impact of Cash Access UK’s efforts cannot be overstated. By providing access to cash and banking services, the company is helping to revitalize high streets across the UK. Its hubs are not only providing essential financial services but also serving as community hubs where residents can gather and socialize.
In conclusion, the opening of Cash Access UK’s 100th hub in Darwen is a significant development for the town and for communities across the UK. The company’s commitment to bringing banking services back to high streets is a vital step towards revitalizing our towns and cities. As Cash Access UK continues to expand its network of hubs across the UK, it is clear that access to cash and banking services will remain a vital component of our financial infrastructure for years to come.