A NEW banking hub will be opened in Maryport’s former NatWest branch, offering a variety of services to the people of the town.

Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash, has confirmed today that the new banking hub in Maryport will be located at 115/117 Senhouse Street, a former NatWest branch.

The Hub, when it opens, 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.

It will also offer a 'community banker' service where customers can talk to their own banking provider about more complicated issues, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Community bankers will work on rotation, with a different bank or building society available on each day of the week:

Monday: NatWest
Tuesday: HSBC
Wednesday: Halifax
Thursday: TSB
Friday: Barclays

Finding the right location for a banking hub that is convenient, accessible and works for everyone often takes time, so Cash Access UK said it is 'delighted' to have been able to secure convenient premises in 'the heart of the community'.

The team at Cash Access UK are now working to fit out the new premises and will 'update the community on progress and an opening date as soon as they can'.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK: “Banking Hubs provide essential services to many people across communities where they are most needed.

"We are pleased to have identified a location for the Maryport Banking Hub and look forward to keeping the community updated on our progress.”

Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council: “This is going to be a fantastic addition to Maryport’s high street.

"I am doubly pleased the banking hub is going into a building which was transformed by the Council’s Shop Front Scheme, funded by Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone programme.

"Not only will it provide a vital service for local people and visitors alike – it will also bring a lovely shop back to life.”

Mark Jenkinson, MP for Workington: “This is a positive step for protecting access to cash and banking services for local residents and businesses.

"I am pleased to see that progress is being made and look forward to the positive impact the banking hub will have on the community.”