New banking hub opens in Frome after series of branch closures

A new banking hub has officially opened in a town affected by bank branch closures, aiming to provide face-to-face banking services to local residents and businesses. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap left by departing banks and ensure continued access to essential financial services.

Located within Frome Library, the hub offers counter services such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments. Staff from Halifax, NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, and TSB will rotate on different weekdays to assist customers. This collaborative approach ensures a variety of banking expertise is available to the community.

Sam Baker, the operations lead for the banking hub, said she anticipates demand will grow as more people become aware of the service. "I think it's been a very long time since five different banks have been representing this town at the same time," Ms. Baker added. This hub offers a convenient way for customers to access different banking services in one location.

Following a series of bank closures, advocacy group Prosper Frome spent two years campaigning for improved banking services in the town. Jen Bolton, a member of the group, stated: "We were appalled by the lack of concern for providing local services. So, my colleague Sam Evans and I started campaigning for better banking services and really understanding what was possible." The group's persistence has been instrumental in bringing the banking hub to fruition.

Ms. Bolton said the community's reaction to the hub has been very positive. Prosper Frome is now working with Cash Access UK and Frome Town Council to secure a permanent location within the next 12 months. Frome town councillor Anne Hills, speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, said the move was not only good for the community but also for the banks. "Having a trusted place for people to go, I think it's cheaper for the banks, and it's better for the town," she said. Securing a permanent location would further solidify the hub's role in the community.

Frome Mayor Andy Jones said there had been "a lot of anxiety" in the town after "bank after bank" closed, and he welcomed the opening of the hub. "Businesses and individuals who rely on cash were increasingly concerned about what that meant for the future of the town," he said. "Having a facility like this is vital for the vibrancy of the town. There seems to be a lot of positive feeling about it." The hub is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy and alleviate concerns about access to cash.