BRADLEY Thomas MP has written to the chief executive of banking hub operators LINK as part of his ongoing work to secure one of the services for Bromsgrove.
LINK decides which communities get banking hubs, and with that in mind Mr Thomas is keen to meet with John Howells, LINK’s chief executive, to make the strong case for one to be set up in Bromsgrove.
This builds on the work the local MP has been doing to campaign for a Bromsgrove banking hub, which includes a petition that has been signed hundreds of times by local residents.
Bradley said: “As part of my ongoing work to secure a Banking Hub for Bromsgrove, I’ve written to the Chief Executive to request a meeting to discuss the strong case for one to be set-up in our town.
“With the impending closures of the Lloyds and Halifax branches, I hope to get LINK around the table as soon as possible.
“I’m committed to ensuring my constituents can continue to access face-to-face banking services and cash services too.”
A LINK spokesperson confirmed to the Standard that they are in contact with Mr Thomas’ office and are looking forward to discussing this ‘important issue’.
The spokesperson added: “Banking hubs are making a significant difference in communities across the UK that have lost their last bank branch.
“We know that almost five million people rely on cash and many small businesses need to readily deposit their cash takings at the end of the day too.
Despite ongoing conversations between Mr Thomas and LINK, banking hubs are only recommended when a location loses or has lost its final bank branch.
In the case of Bromsgrove, there will still be three active bank branches following the closures of Halifax and LLoyds in May. Alongside this, there is a building society and a Post Office.
With this in mind, Bromsgrove’s chances of receiving a banking hub are likely slim to none.
Visit https://www.bradleythomas.org.uk/campaigns/bromsgrove-needs-banking-hub to sign Mr Thomas’ Banking Hub petition.
