A NEW banking hub in Looe town centre has been opened by Cash Access UK.

The organisation set up to protect access to cash across the UK has opened the hub in its new permanent home at Bullers Quay House on Fore Street.

Looe’s banking hub was recommended by LINK, an ATM network, following the closure of the town’s last remaining bank branch.

While the site for the permanent hub was progressed, a hub was opened in temporary locations at the Toc H Community Hall, and later the Sardine Factory. These locations have now closed.

The official opening of the permanent space will take place on Friday, April 24, at 11am, where everyone is welcome to attend.

Customers of all major banks can visit the hub any weekday between 9am to 5pm to carry out regular transactions, including withdrawals and deposits, as well as checking balances or paying bills.

Additionally, the hub also offers a community bank service where customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub: Monday, NatWest; Tuesday, Barclays; Wednesday, Lloyds; Thursday, Santander (1pm to 5pm); Friday, HSBC (coming soon).

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK: “I’m happy to announce the opening of our Looe hub in its permanent home, ensuring crucial access to cash and face-to-face banking services for residents and businesses across the community.

“The way we bank and pay for things is changing, which is why we are rolling out solutions including banking hubs as well as deposit ATMs that help small businesses to readily bank cash.

“Customers can visit any day of the week for their everyday banking transactions, and if you have a specific or more complex enquiry for your bank, a community banker will be there to help on the day they’re in the hub.”