Banking hub finds permanent home in Wellington
It's after the town's last remaining bank shut its doors in 2024
People and businesses in Wellington gathered on Fore Street to celebrate the town's banking hub, which is now open on a permanent basis.
The hub provides residents and businesses with basic banking and cash services, as well as support for rural communities who would otherwise have to travel to reach a bank.
The opening ceremony comes after the town lost its last remaining high street bank, Lloyds, in 2024.
It was conducted on Friday (3rd January) by local MP Gideon Amos and the Mayor of Wellington, Cllr Janet Lloyd.
The MP told those present: “We need to refocus on making our town centres lively and vibrant, bringing new businesses in and that’s why it’s so great to see the Banking Hub opening here in Wellington.
“I’m really excited to see it happening – it’s something I was working on for a couple of years.
“Obviously, the next stop is we must get a Post Office for Wellington.
He added: “We need to start with a Banking Hub, then get a Post Office and keep building Wellington town centre.”
It's one of 100 Banking Hubs across the country provided by Cash Access UK.
"Banking hubs are really important due to that customer choice," said Melissa Whitaker, Community Engagement Manager.
"Whether it's just being that face to face service that people always wanted from going into their high street bank.
"There's an expectation that people in rural areas can travel to bigger towns but some people can't and some people won't.
"It's really important we're there to serve those customers."
The hub is open 9-5 Monday to Friday.