Council wants banking hub after branch closures

An area of Surrey is being assessed as a possible site for a new banking hub.

Hubs are shared spaces where customers from all the major banks can access services such as withdrawing or paying in cash and paying bills.

The application for a new hub has come from Mole Valley District Council, which is concerned about the loss of branches in Leatherhead and Dorking.

Fifteen new hubs were unveiled in September, including Hailsham in East Sussex and Sheerness in Kent.

The council has been campaigning for a banking hub since 2022.

It is currently in negotiation with the organisation LINK, which works to give the public access to the cash machine network.

Council leader Stephen Cooksey said: "We know how vital access to banking services is for our residents and small businesses, especially considering the recent branch closures.

"Securing a banking hub would provide a much-needed solution, ensuring that our community can continue to access essential financial services.

"We’re encouraged by LINK’s updated process and hopeful that this application will help bring banking hubs to Dorking and Leatherhead."

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