MP visits new banking hub ahead of opening
WATH’S new banking hub opens officially in March – but MP John Healey has paid an early visit to assess the facilities.
The unit has been constructed in the car park of the Tesco supermarket, on Biscay Way.
It will ensure the future of face-to-face banking in the town and replaces a temporary hub, which was set up at Montgomery Hall after all traditional banks closed their local branches.
The MP for Wath campaigned to secure a banking hub for the town in 2023 and has spent several months working with Cash Access UK and Wath Councillors, Dave Jackson and Sheila Cowen, to find a long-term solution to keeping this service in the town.
The first-of-its-kind banking hub will offer withdrawal and deposit services for customers of all major banks, alongside a private room where community bankers from the six most‑used banks in the area will hold appointments for more detailed conversations.
During the visit, John was shown around the hub by Claire Adrych, Regional Manager at Cash Access UK, highlighting the benefits it will offer.
Mr Healey said: “It’s great to see this new banking hub ready to serve the community. Access to cash and face‑to‑face banking matters to people and businesses in Wath, and this hub will ensure they continue to get the support they need.
“I’m really pleased that our joint efforts have paid off, delivering an innovative solution that keeps the hub easily accessible and close to the town centre.”
The hub was subject to a planning wrangle, with a proposed lifespan of only two years at Biscay Way, but that idea was dropped because it would have jeopardised the scheme.