WILTSHIRE's first permanent community banking hub has been welcomed with open arms.
 
Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash, confirmed today that a banking hub located on 33 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett is now open to the public.

This new centre will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

An official opening ceremony will take place at the new addition to the high street at 11am on Tuesday, March 19 to mark this milestone.

The premises will also offer a community banker service where representatives from each major bank will have a set day to come in and talk to customers about more complicated issues. 
 
Monday: NatWest
Tuesday: Halifax
Wednesday: Barclays
Thursday: Lloyds
Friday: HSBC
 
This solution was recommended by LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, following the announcement of the final bank branch closure in the town.
 
Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK, said: “After opening our temporary hub here late last year, I’m so pleased to announce that Royal Wootton Bassett’s permanent banking hub is now open. 

"It’s great news for local residents and businesses and will make a great difference to the local high street.”

James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, said: “I am delighted the banking hub is now open.

"People have been deeply disappointed by the disappearance of high street banking; but the hub more than compensates for it.

"I thank and congratulate all those who have worked so hard to make this vision a reality.”

Wiltshire councillors Allison Bucknell and Jacqui Lay said: “Royal Wootton Bassett and the surrounding communities are very much looking forward to the opening of the permanent banking hub on the high street, the first of its kind in Wiltshire.

"The availability of banking services to residents and businesses is an extremely important, integral part of the town centre offer. 

"Wiltshire councillors identified that something had to be done when Lloyds closed in December 2022 and have since been working with Cash Access UK to bring us this facility which is the envy of a good many other towns."