Community demands Banking Hub after loss of all bank branches

A local town is demanding a Banking Hub after losing all of its bank branches and being left reliant on a Post Office and a single ATM that is frequently out of service.

Councillors in Llanidloes have formally called for action, warning that access to cash in the rural market town is now “stretched and unreliable”.

County Councillors Glyn Preston and Fleur Frantz-Morgans, backed unanimously by all Llanidloes Town Councillors, have written to LINK requesting a full Access to Cash Assessment — the first step towards securing a shared banking facility for the town.

Under the national system, LINK assesses whether communities have reasonable access to cash. If significant gaps are identified, it can recommend the introduction of a Banking Hub.

A Banking Hub provides shared, face-to-face banking services for customers of multiple banks. Services typically include cash withdrawals and deposits, access to coins for businesses, and private spaces for support and advice. The hubs are designed for towns that have lost traditional branches but still rely heavily on in person banking.

Councillors argue Llanidloes clearly meets that description.

The town serves a wide rural catchment area, including surrounding villages where public transport is limited. Many residents face lengthy journeys to reach the nearest bank. At the same time, the town’s only ATM has frequently been out of cash.

Llanidloes also has an ageing population and a strong independent retail sector, both of which depend on reliable access to cash.

Cllr Glyn Preston said the unanimous backing from the Town Council showed the strength of feeling locally.

“The fact that the Town Council unanimously backed our call for a Banking Hub shows just how strongly people feel in Llanidloes. Cash access in town is stretched and unreliable, with the town’s only ATM often out of cash. A banking hub would provide a practical, long term solution for residents and businesses alike.”

Cllr Fleur Frantz-Morgans added: “This is about fairness and inclusion. People should be able to access basic banking services in their own town, without having to travel long distances. A banking hub would support local businesses and strengthen our town centre.”

LINK will now consider whether Llanidloes meets the criteria for a formal assessment. If approved, the review would examine cash usage, existing provision and community needs before deciding whether a Banking Hub should be recommended.