'People must have access to banking facilities, it's not a luxury, it's a lifeline'

MP LAUNCHES PETITION FOR TOWN BANKING HUB

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

AN MP has called for a banking hub in Yarm, saying residents and businesses relied on the “lifeline” of access to cash and services.

Matt Vickers, Conservative MP for Stockton West, has called on LINK - the UK’s cash access and ATM network - to establish a Banking Hub in Yarm.

He warned when Barclays Local at Egglescliffe Community Centre closes on December 11, Yarm and its surrounding areas will be left without physical banking services!

Describing this as a “major loss for both residents and local businesses”, he has made a written submission and met with representatives of LINK’s access to cash team to press Yarm's case. LINK has recommended more than 200 banking hubs across the country in its work helping people access their cash, assessing the impact of bank closures and deciding whether more services are needed.