Bakewell will soon have a banking hub after a year without bank services, offering cash and counter services.
The Derbyshire Dales council made a deal when they partnered with Cash Access UK. Major banks fund Cash Access UK, which runs the hub. The hub will initially be at the ABC, but they will later find a permanent spot.
The hub aims to open later this month, with the Cash Access UK website stating March. The last bank to close was NatWest. This happened despite strong opposition, and a council leader urged NatWest to reconsider.
The council leader welcomes the hub at the ABC, he says they worked hard to make it happen. It will help Bakewell and nearby villages. They will have local banking again.
All major bank customers can use it. You can make cash transactions there Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Post Office operates the counter, and you can deposit cash and cheques. Withdrawals and balance checks are also possible, as well as paying bills and topping up utilities.
A community banker will also be there one day each week. They can help with complex issues, and you don’t need an appointment. Any banker can help you.
Banks across the UK support these hubs, including AIB NI and Bank of Ireland UK, Bank of Scotland, and Barclays. Danske Bank, Halifax, HSBC, and Lloyds Bank also help. NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, TSB, Ulster Bank, and Virgin Money are included as well. The bankers rotate each day, and banks with the most local clients provide them.
Last March, people talked about life without a bank. Paying for public toilets became tricky, and small businesses faced card fees. They sometimes had to set a minimum purchase amount.
One person said older folks miss the bank most. Traders miss it too, and people often ask where the bank is. Cash use seems to be declining locally, which worries some people impacting the local economy.