CALLS have been put forward to install new banking hubs in Yate and Thornbury.
In recent years many high street bank branches have closed in the area, leaving many without easy access to banking services.
Three banks in Thornbury closed in 2022, including HSBC, TSB, and NatWest, while Barclays closed in 2019. The Co-operative Bank also previously left the town.
Meanwhile HSBC and Barclays in Yate closed in 2021.
Elsewhere in Chipping Sodbury, NatWest closed in 2018, Lloyds shut in 2016 and The Co-operative Bank closed in 2014.
At the time, many residents expressed concern about older generations using internet banking and described the closures as "sad," "worrying" and "a step backwards".
Banking hubs offer face-to-face cash and banking and are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.
Customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday.
The hubs also offer a community banker service where customers can talk to their own banking provider about more complicated banking issues.
According to Cash Access UK’s website opening a banking hub takes an average of 12 months from start to finish.
Cash access and ATM network operator LINK must first carry out an assessment to decide whether new services are required.
They have to judge whether a community needs better access to cash.
Luke Hall MP has now formally requested an access to cash assessment from LINK.
He said: “Bank branches are vital for many people, and we must preserve access to banking for local communities across South Gloucestershire.
“I share resident’s concerns regarding the impact that closures of branches have had, particularly in rural areas such as ours.
“I very much hope that we are successful with our bank hub bid, so we can bring back bank access to our shopping centres and high streets”.
Nick Quin, Head of Financial Inclusion from LINK, said: “Free access to cash remains vital for communities across the country.
“LINK’s job is to ensure every high street is protected and where necessary, to recommend additional services, including banking hubs and deposit services.
“We will assess the request to see whether Thornbury and Yate meet the criteria.”
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