A new temporary Banking Hub in Ashby has officially opened, marking a major step forward in delivering a permanent location for the town.
The opening follows collaboration between Ashby Town Council and Amanda Hack MP, working with Cash Access UK to secure a suitable temporary facility while work continues on the permanent site.
Following NatWest’s announcement last year of its intention to close its Market Street branch, Amanda Hack MP and the Deputy Mayor of Ashby, Cllr Murrae Blair-Park, have visited the newly opened temporary banking hub. The facility will bridge the gap in services while work is carried out on the permanent location.
The temporary hub, based in Ashby Library, provides access to cash and essential banking services for the local community. A counter service is available to all customers from Monday to Friday 9am till 5pm, offering the ability to deposit cash or cheques, withdraw money, check balances, pay utility bills, top up gas and electricity, and access change-giving services for small businesses.
Customers can also speak face-to-face with their own bank about more complex enquiries, including payments, transfers, account management, and support with online banking. Community bankers visit the hub on a rota basis, meaning a different bank is available each day. These bankers are typically provided by the banks with the largest local customer base.
During the visit, Amanda Hack MP said:
“It’s fantastic to visit this new temporary facility in the heart of the town. It was vital that, while work on the permanent hub continues, local people continued to have access to in-person banking services. My office has worked closely with Ashby Town Council and Cash Access UK to make sure that happens.
Local residents can now access services from a range of banks, which is great news for Ashby and the surrounding areas. I’d encourage everyone to make use of this new service and see how it can benefit them, and don’t forget to take advantage of everything the library has to offer while you’re here!
It’s been great to go through this process in Ashby, and I’m continuing to push for similar services to be introduced in Coalville following the announcement of the closure of its last bank. I’ve also written to the five major banks to request additional support for residents in Castle Donington.”
It is vital that local people continue to have access to in-person banking services. - Amanda Hack MP
Following the visit, Deputy Mayor, Murrae Blair Park said:
“The temporary banking hub is a vital step in protecting access to face‑to‑face banking for our residents and local businesses. With branch closures affecting so many towns, this interim solution ensures people can still access essential services close to home while work continues for a permanent facility. I’m grateful to Amanda Hack MP, Cash Access UK and Ashby Town Council for working together to secure this important provision for our community.”
A spokesperson from Cash Access UK said:
“Our services can play a crucial role in giving local residents renewed access to cash and in-person banking services. As soon as LINK announces the need for additional cash services, we start work to deliver accessible cash and face-to-face banking services in the community, with the process potentially taking up to 12 months to secure the right location that works for the community.
In some cases, such as in Ashby, a temporary hub is needed while arrangements for a permanent site are finalised. We are pleased to provide this interim solution for the community.
The temporary hub is expected to remain in place until the permanent hub is ready. Once the permanent site opens, services will transfer seamlessly, ensuring there is no disruption for the community.”