At a public meeting on Thursday evening (7 November), Cash Access UK presented the latest plans for a new Banking Hub in Acomb, discussed the capabilities and timeline, and answered questions from local residents, alongside York Central MP Rachael Maskell. Ms Maskell has been working to ensure that ‘there are banking facilities for all [Acomb residents] to use’ and hailed the ‘improvements the Labour Council is working on in Acomb.’
Jordan Reece, Community Engagement Officer at Cash Access UK, confirmed that the permanent Banking Hub was definitely coming to Acomb, and that a date and location would be announced very shortly by the organisation, with the Banking Hub expected to open in the spring.
Mr Reece further confirmed that Halifax Bank in Acomb has extended its services to 15th May 2025, to ensure that there will be no gap in banking service provision between the existing bank and the new Banking Hub.
The new permanent Banking Hub will include an external free ATM, a counter with up to two members of staff operating regular customer and business transactions for all major banks 9-5 every weekday, and a private room for appointments with representatives of different major banks each day.
To ensure no gap in service, a temporary Banking Hub is also being established prior to the opening of the permanent Banking Hub. The location of this is still in discussion, and Cash Access UK welcome suggestions for additional local sites in the Front Street area.
Mr Reece also confirmed that the new Banking Hub will open on Front Street itself, though the location can’t yet be confirmed. He also reiterated that residents can access many banking services through existing Post Office locations and will continue to do so.
Rachael Maskell MP also spoke on Wednesday about the work she has done to secure a new banking hub for the community. Kerry Mountain-Hewett provided first-hand experience of her time as customer liaison officer in an established Banking Hub, describing how existing Banking Hubs operate.
Rachael Maskell MP says:
“I know the community were shocked when the last bank in Acomb announced its closure, however I have been working closely with the past and present Government to secure future banking services in York. I was therefore delighted that Cash Access UK were granted the opportunity to run the new banking hub, in the community and I have been working closely with them since the announcement.
“This all forms part of the upgrades the Labour Council is working on in Acomb, including improvements to Front Steet, more planters and benches, toilets and accessible parking. The rebuilding of Front Street is a major focus of the Labour Party into a community high street once more, removing the bollards, establishing the vibrant market which will be refreshed in the new year, and ensuring that there are banking facilities for all to use.”
Jordan Reece, Community Engagement Officer at Cash Access UK, says:
“It was great to come to Acomb and talk directly to the local community about the new Banking Hub that will be coming to Front Street very shortly. It’s going to be a great service for the community, providing essential face-to-face banking services and ensure that Acomb has access to cash after Halifax closes down.
“The Banking Hub will provide customers the ability to pay in cheques and pay utility bills every day for all major banks. It will also provide services to small businesses, and every day of the week a different bank will provide representatives so that customers can sit down face-to-face and talk to staff from their own bank for more complex queries.”
Cllr Emily Nelson, (Westfield Ward), says:
“I am excited that we have been able to confirm the Banking Hub will be based on Front Street, providing much-needed services to Acomb and beyond. This meeting made it clear that the services will support even more residents in the local area than our current offering. I look forward to continuing to support this process and work with Cash Access UK to make sure that the details are right for our residents.”
Luke Walker, Chairperson of the Greater Acomb Community Forum, says:
“This is a great opportunity for our area, for members of our community, and for local businesses. Especially when our last bank is closing, leaving nowhere to bank in Acomb, the fact that we will be able to use it in one place no matter who we bank with is fantastic.