Banking hub 'bringing life back to town centre'

A banking hub has brought people back into a market town following branch closures in recent years, a councillor has said.

Stephen Bunney, the chairman of West Lindsey District Council, said the hub in Market Rasen was "a benefit to the high street" and had "brought life back into the centre of the town".

As well as everyday banking via the Post Office, the hub offers specialist services, with five banks represented.

Martin Sizer, the manager, said: "We've not had any banks in Market Rasen for quite some time, but now we've got five."

"So, if it's more than just a general transaction, then you can actually see your personal banker," he added.

The hub, which opened last December, has been welcomed by residents, though some said it did not make up for having a dedicated traditional bank in the town.

Penny Nott, 80, who lives nearby in Tealby, said she was happy she could do her business in person.

"People like me don't like online banking, so it's much nicer to pop in here and talk to someone," she said.

Peter Smith, 53, said it was useful being able to see his bank's representative.

"Without it, I'd be completely lost," he said.

"I can't do what I'm trying to do online... I need someone actually on the ground to speak to."

Members of staff from the five banks – HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, NatWest and Halifax – visit on a rotational basis, with one attending each day. A schedule can be found on the website of organiser Cash Access UK.

Local businesses have welcomed the facility. Richard Lancaster, a butcher, said the hub had made life easier as he no longer had to travel to Grimsby once a fortnight to visit the bank.

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