Crewkerne welcomes new banking hub at Town Hall - 💷
Report by Stephen Collier for Pulman's Weekly News
Crewkerne residents now have easier access to vital financial services with the launch of a new banking hub, which officially opened this week in the Town Hall. The hub, set up by Cash Access UK, was opened with the support of Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil and South Somerset, who attended the launch ceremony.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect access to cash across the country. The hub was recommended by LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, following a community request submitted by Adam Dance MP, who has long championed the return of in-person banking in the area.
Located just 15 minutes from Chard and Ilminster, the temporary hub at Crewkerne Town Hall is open to customers of all major banks, Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm. It offers a range of everyday services including cash withdrawals, deposits, balance checks and bill payments.
In addition to standard banking transactions, the hub provides a community banker service, allowing customers to speak privately with a representative from their own bank on specific days:
Monday: Lloyds (from May)
Tuesday: NatWest
Wednesday: Barclays
Thursday: HSBC
Friday: No community banker available
Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK, believes the new facility will make a meaningful difference to the town. He said, "We are pleased to have opened the new banking hub in Crewkerne, giving local residents renewed access to cash and in-person banking services. We’re grateful to the Town Hall for providing a home for the hub while we continue to search for a permanent location."
Adam Dance MP added, "I’m absolutely delighted to see the Crewkerne Banking Hub open its doors. I’ve campaigned hard for this, and it’s fantastic to see the community getting access to face-to-face banking once again. This is a much-needed service - especially for older residents and local businesses - and it’s great to know the hub will be here five days a week to support them."
Cash Access UK has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure a permanent location for the hub, with regular updates to be provided via their website.
The opening of the hub represents a positive step forward for financial accessibility in Crewkerne and many of the surrounding rural communities of South Somerset.
( Photos supplied by Crewkerne Town Council 📸 )