A new banking hub has opened in Frome Library, offering essential cash and banking services to residents after concerns about the loss of high street banks.
Installed by Cash Access UK, the hub officially opened on Tuesday 11th March in response to community calls for improved banking access. Frome’s last remaining bank, TSB, is set to close on Thursday 27th March, following the closures of NatWest, Barclays, HSBC and Halifax in recent years.
The temporary hub will operate from the library until a permanent location is found, with hopes that it will be secured by late autumn or early winter. Representatives from five major banks will be available on a rotating basis in a private office, offering advice and support without the need for an appointment.
Frome Town Councillor Anne Hills said, “We’re delighted and relieved to see the arrival of Frome’s banking hub, in its temporary home in the library. Frome Town Council has worked closely with the brilliant team at Prosper Frome to lobby for this vital service and we look forward to hearing more from Cash Access UK about the location of a permanent banking hub for Frome.
“Not everyone is able to bank online – or they simply don’t want to. Everyone needs to use banking services and deserves to use them in the way that works best for them. Whether it’s a small business or a charity needing somewhere to pay in cash, an older person who wants the added confidence of a face-to-face banking service, or anyone who wants to withdraw cash or use counter services in a convenient town centre location, the hub is good news all round!”
Alongside bank representatives, the hub features a dedicated counter run by the Post Office, managed by Sam from Portway Post Office. Customers can use this service to make payments into their bank accounts, though postal services will not be processed at the hub.
Sam Evans from Prosper Frome, the community group that campaigned for the hub alongside Frome Town Council, welcomed the initiative. “We’re excited to open the temporary banking hub, giving local people better access to essential banking services. The more it’s used, the stronger the case for a permanent hub in Frome. This initiative will help relieve pressure on our post offices while ensuring customers can speak directly with representatives from their banks. Don’t hesitate to pop into the library and ask at the counter for support.”
Pictured: Cllr Anne Hills, a representative from Cash Access UK and MP Anna Sabine
