Kirkby residents will soon find it easier to access banking services thanks to a recommendation for a new banking hub in the town.

LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, said the hub — a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone — could be open by next year.

All of the town’s existing bank branches have closed, but Kirkby is one of four towns across the UK due to receive the new banking facility in LINK’s latest round of announcements.
There are already seven banking hubs up across the UK.

In 2021, the banking industry agreed that following the closure of any bank branch, LINK would identify whether a community requires further cash services.

Additionally, any community without a branch can contact LINK directly and ask to be assessed for support. After receiving a request from Ashfield District Council and the Kirkby community, LINK recommended the hub.

The new facility 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.

There will also be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.

Staff from different banks will be available on different days.

Cash Access UK is to ask the local community for suggestions for potential sites for the hub.

Coun Matthew Relf, executive lead for Regeneration and Planning, said: “We are over the moon to have been successful in our bid for a banking hub for Kirkby. We know that so many residents have struggled with the lack of face-to-face banking in Kirkby since the banks closed, and the banking hub will make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“It’s not just residents who will benefit from this hub, our small businesses will also be able to utilise it. When we get more information we will share it with residents.”

The council has also applied for planning permission to put a cash machine in Moor Market.

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson added: “This is great news for the people in my home town of Kirkby, who were extremely angry at the recent bank closures on the high street.

“Thank goodness LINK has stepped in to provide this valuable service, which will not only benefit the people of Kirkby but also its businesses.”