The UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, LINK, has announced that Kilwinning locals will soon find it easier to access banking services thanks to the addition of a new banking hub in the town.
Following the closure of the only two bank branches in the town, residents have been forced to travel when in need of banking facilities.
After receiving requests from local residents, one of which being Cllr Scott Davidson, LINK confirmed that the town will benefit from a new banking hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash.
North Ayrshire and Arran MP, Patricia Gibson, said: "I am delighted to hear that Kilwinning will benefit from a banking hub.
"I have long campaigned against the lack of banking facilities in the town, followed by the recent blow of the closure of the town's post office.
"In Westminster I again challenged the UK Government about the lack of cash and banking facilities in Kilwinning, which has left a town with a population of over 16,000 people, financially excluded.
"This new banking hub will be a welcome addition to the town both by consumers and businesses, providing access to cash, much needed banking facilities as well as face-to-face service. I look forward to the opening of this hub which will be a real boon for Kilwinning."
Chris Ashton, Head of Banking Services at LINK, added: "We know the way we pay for things and bank is changing.
"Yet not everyone is able to bank online or use digital payments. Many consumers and small businesses still rely on face-to-face banking and cash.
"That's why we're pleased to confirm Kilwinning has been selected for a banking hub."
Kilwinning is one of five towns across the UK due to receive a banking hub in LINK’s latest round of announcements.
There are currently four banking hubs up and running across the UK including Devon, Lanarkshire, East Riding of Yorkshire and Essex.
In 2021, the banking industry agreed that following the closure of any bank branch, LINK will identify whether a community requires further cash services.
Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone.
The hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.
The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
In addition to new banking hubs, other new innovations such as deposit services, and cash at the till, which allows retailers to provide free access to cash to consumers, are beginning to appear across the country.
The banking hub will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the local community and to start looking for potential sites.
The Hub will likely open in early 2024.
