Almost four years since it closed, the former Barclays Bank branch in Moreton has been confirmed as the new, permanent home of the town’s banking hub.
The site, on Hoylake Road, was last used by Barclays in January 2021 and has been empty ever since.
Now, following their campaign to bring banking back to Moreton, local councillors are supporting a planning application to reopen it as the permanent base for the town’s banking hub. Work is already underway at the site to refit and modernise the building.
Cash Access UK, who opened the temporary banking hub at Moreton Cross last month, have confirmed the move to their new, permanent home at 247 Hoylake Road.
Councillor Vida Wilson said: “When the last bank left Moreton, many people thought face-to-face banking was gone for good. The future was said to be apps on your phone or helplines that tell you how important your call is but leave it forever before they answer.
“Yet, for many people, this just isn’t appropriate, especially those who have complex banking issues or who prefer to speak to a human. That’s why we have been so keen to campaign for a banking hub in Moreton.
“The feedback since the temporary hub opened has been fantastic and the staff have had a very warm welcome. We’re also pleased that many local shops and businesses in Moreton are using the hub for their needs too.
Banking hubs offer a counter service, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions, regardless of who they bank with.
In addition, there are private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy. The banks work on a rota, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
The five banks that have agreed to take part in Moreton, and the days when they will be in the hub, between 9am-5pm are:
- Monday: NatWest
- Tuesday: Santander
- Wednesday: Lloyds
- Thursday: Barclays
- Friday: Halifax
Councillor Wilson added: “While this is great news for Moreton, I really hope we can stop the Council’s plans for parking charges at the car park behind the new banking hub. Having backed our call for the banking hub, the last thing the Town Hall should be doing is to discourage people from using the Holt Avenue car park.”
