The team behind plans to bring a banking hub to Morecambe has assured residents they won't be left without bank services when the Halifax closes.
Cash Access UK, the organisation responsible for setting up banking hubs, said that work is progressing well towards a planned opening date of September.
The Halifax branch in the Arndale shopping centre will shut on September 15, leaving the Nationwide on Euston Road as the only bank/building society left in the town centre.
There have also been concerns about the future of Morecambe's town centre Post Office branch, given plans for a radical shake-up of the Post Office service across the UK.
But a new banking hub in Morecambe would offer a shared banking space in the town, at a location to be announced.
Hubs offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday.
The hubs also offer a Community Banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated banking issues.
The Community Bankers work on rotation, with a different bank available on each day of the week. Community Bankers are usually provided by the banks with the most customers in the local area.
A property search is currently under way to find a location for the hub in Morecambe.
“Setting up a banking hub can take up to 12 months from start to finish but plans for the hub in Morecambe are progressing well," said a spokesperson for Cash Access UK.
"We are aware the Halifax in Morecambe is set to close in September and we can assure the local community that they will not be left without services.
"Residents can find updates on the progress of our work on the Cash Access UK website, and we look forward to sharing some positive news on plans for the banking hub soon.”
Available services will be to:
- pay in cash (notes and coin) and cheques
- withdraw cash (notes and coin)
- check your balance
- pay utility bills
- top up your gas and electricity
- access change-giving services (for registered businesses)
Cash Access UK said they will be able to say nearer the time which banks will provide a community banker.
The banks supporting the hubs in the UK are:
- AIB NI
- Bank of Ireland UK
- Bank of Scotland
- Barclays
- Danske Bank
- Halifax
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- NatWest
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
- TSB
- Ulster Bank
- Virgin Money
Cash Access UK is a not-for-profit company funded by major high street banks. They provide cash and basic banking services in communities across the UK.
It is funded by banks including AIB NI, Bank of Ireland UK, Barclays, Danske Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest Group, Santander, TSB and Virgin Money.
Cash Access UK is open to any bank or building society to join as long as they meet certain criteria.
It was revealed in November that more than 1,000 staff across the UK could lose their jobs in a radical shake-up as the Post Office laid out plans to stabilise its finances.
One option is the closure of up to 115 branches, said to be loss-making, including the site in Morecambe town centre.
But Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe & Lunesdale, said in December that "no decision had been made" yet.
Read more: MP says "no decision made" on Morecambe Post Office closure - Beyond Radio
Campaign to save Morecambe Post Office gathers pace - Beyond Radio
"Deep concerns" remain about closure of Halifax bank in Morecambe - Beyond Radio
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