CUSTOMERS who have gone almost a decade without a face-to-face banking service have been told a new facility will return due to public demand.
Penistone was confirmed as Link’s 200th banking hub this week and is a ‘direct response’ to requests from the local community, councillors and its MP, Marie Tidball.
When opened later this year - the first to arrive since NatWest closed in 2017 - the hub 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.
In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.
The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
Ms Tidball told the Chronicle: “I am delighted the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed Penistone will be receiving a new banking hub.
“I have spoken to people across our communities about the importance of face-to-face banking services, using cash payments and supporting our local high streets.
“Under the Conservatives, I watched our local bank branches leave our high streets, meaning our constituency now has no bank branches at all.
“I am so pleased our new Labour government understands how important high street banking is to our communities and is bringing local growth to Penistone.
“Labour’s manifesto promised to bring banking back to our high streets and it’s great to see this promise delivered at the heart of the town.”
Although Link admitted there has undoubtedly been a significant shift towards online banking, the closure of physical branches risks excluding certain communities.
More than three million people aged 55 and above have still never been online, with those aged 75 and over most likely to be excluded, according to Age UK.
John Howells, chief executive at Link, said the firm is committed to restoring in-person banking services.
“Our 200th recommendation is a big milestone in the delivery of banking hubs across the country,” he added.
“The hub will make a real difference for people who still rely on cash.
“Not everyone can use a mobile banking app and not everyone is confident in the security of digital payments.
“Since 2019, Link has taken decisive action to protect access to cash across the country.
“We’ve funded thousands of machines in areas which could otherwise be cash deserts, and recommended new banking hubs in every part of the country.
“We’re committed to keeping cash on the high street and we’ll continue recommending banking hubs where they are needed.”
