WORK is “ongoing” to secure a site for a new banking hub in Moreton.

In September last year, it was announced that the town had been selected to receive a new banking hub.

Moreton was selected to be Wirral’s first multi-banking hub after every bank and building society closed their branches in the town.

READ: Moreton to receive new ‘banking hub’

After a campaign by councillors Vida Wilson, Gary Bennett and Colin Baldwin, Link, a UK cash access and ATM provider, agreed that a banking hub was needed and that they had asked Cash Access UK to identify a suitable site.

Speaking at the time, Chris Ashton, Head of Banking, LINK said: “We’re very pleased to recommend a banking hub for Moreton.

“We know how important access to cash and face-to-face banking services are to communities. The hub will make a real difference when it opens next year.”

Cash Access UK has been appointed by Link to oversee the project and they have now confirmed the hub will be open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with a counter to access cash services including paying in cash and cheques and change-giving services for local businesses.

Moreton’s banking hub will include a private space where customers can talk face-to-face about more complicated banking enquiries like payments and transfers and managing their account.

Councillor Vida Wilson said: “One of the main benefits with a hub is that residents can speak, face to face, with someone from the banks and building societies taking part.

“We know not every enquiry can be resolved online or via an App and many residents want to be able to discuss their private financial affairs with someone who can answer their questions directly.

“I do hope the owners of sites, when approached by Cash Access UK, will recognise the importance of a banking hub to Moreton and Saughall Massie and ensure negotiations are fair and timely.

“I have also asked the Council’s Chief Executive to offer the council’s support to the work to identify and agree a site.”

While the organisers continue to work to secure a site and agree a lease, a dedicated website has been set up by Cash Access UK to help keep residents informed of progress which can be viewed here.

Cash Access UK has also confirmed that nine banks are supporting the hubs in the UK and, whichever five have the most customers in the Moreton area will be given the option to operate the hub throughout the week.

 

The nine are:

• Bank of Ireland

• Barclays

• Danske Bank

• HSBC

• Lloyds Banking Group

• NatWest Group

• Santander

• TSB

• Virgin Money