'Banking hub' is hailed as great news for town

AN MP and councillor have expressed their delight at the news that a new “banking hub” will open in a former post office in the new year.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

The hub - a shared space similar to a traditional bank branch - is expected to open in late January in Ashbrookes estate agents’ on High Street, Yarm, where the town’s post office used to be located.

Yarm Conservative councillor Andrew Sherris and Stockton West Conservative MP Matt Vickers have welcomed the news after campaigning for a banking “lifeline” for residents, requesting the hub and launching a petition.

Cllr Sherris said the site was an “interim” arrangement until a full-time hub was found over the next year. He said: “I was approached by many residents earlier on in the year around the lack of banking in Yarm.

“I made the approach to LINK [the UK’s cash access and ATM network] and filled out a proposal form as to why the area needed it.