WIRRAL’S first banking hub will open in a “temporary location” until a permanent lease can be agreed, it has been announced.

Moreton was chosen as the first location in Wirral, following a campaign by Councillors Vida Wilson, Colin Baldwin and Gary Bennett, after every bank and building society branches closed.

In September 2023, it was announced that the town had been selected to receive a new banking hub after Link, a UK cash access and ATM provider, agreed that a hub was needed.

Cash Access UK were then tasked with identifying a suitable site.

Since the hub was agreed, the search has continued to find a location that is available for lease, at a competitive rate and in a central location in the town’s shopping area.

Today, Wednesday, March 19, a meeting between councillors and Cash Access UK took place where it was agreed that a temporary location would be found.

Councillor Vida Wilson said: “We’re grateful that Lisa and Bal from Cash Access UK met with us in Moreton today, giving us the chance to talk through some of the possible locations.

“However, we are keen that banking services are re-established in Moreton, sooner rather than later. We were worried that the delays could see us without bank services for another year.

“However, having again explained the problems residents and local businesses face, including face-to-face discussions for more complex banking issues, I am grateful that Cash Access UK has now agreed to find a banking hub in a temporary location, until a permanent lease can be agreed.

“Colin, Gary and I will be working closely with Lisa and Bal in the coming weeks on this, while their colleagues elsewhere in the company continue to seek a permanent site.”

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.