A fresh request has been lodged for a Banking Hub in Verwood, with local councillors arguing that access to cash in the town has become harder.
A formal access to cash review has been submitted following confirmation of a bank closure in Ringwood.
Previous bids were turned down by LINK, which will only consider new applications if circumstances have deteriorated. Councillors say the latest closure strengthens the case for a review and believe Verwood now meets the required conditions.
They said the move would make it “even harder for Verwood residents to access banking services” and described the submission as another opportunity to press the town’s case. Support has also come from Simon Hoare MP, who has written in favour of a hub.
While stressing that councillors and MPs are not the decision makers, the group said they would “keep pushing for better banking services” locally.
The statement has been issued by Verwood Conservatives, including Cllr Simon Gibson, Cllr Spencer Flower and Cllr Toni Coombs alongside Simon Hoare MP.
Speaking to Verwood today, Cllr Simon Gibson added: “I don’t want to raise false hope, as the bar for a banking hub is set very high, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get! Banking Hubs have proven popular elsewhere and I think it would be a good for Verwood.”
Verwood councillors have renewed calls for a Banking Hub after a nearby Ringwood closure lodging a formal access to cash review request and citing worsening conditions for residents in town.
Nearby Ferndown was recently turned down for a banking hub following changes there.
A Banking Hub is typically run by a Post Office, offering more face-to-face services and multiple banks in addition to their current money services.