Banking hubs are needed asap

Branch finder

https://www.lloydsbank.com/help-guidance/everyday-banking/banking-near-you.html

https://uk.virginmoney.com/branch-finder/

https://www.natwest.com/search-results/locator.html

A senior Northumberland County Cllr is demanding that the Labour party accelerates its manifesto pledge made leading up to the general election which was held around 500 days ago

County Cllr Gordon Stewart who represents Prudhoe South is a NCC Cabinet member said

‘Small local businesses are the lifeblood of our towns and villages, and are suffering directly and indirectly with the mass withdrawal of traditional banks from our high streets, it is putting additional stress on so many, both financially and on their time to carry out their work.

I am grateful to the banks who have retained a presence throughout Tynedale even in a reduced form, but banking hubs would be a great boost to so many communities’

He added ‘ I hear of residents travelling long distances, some on public transport to use a face to face bank out of County, and then they are spending money in that towns shops before travelling back to their home area, a double whammy for local shop keepers,

Every penny counts these days for residents or businesses. with utility prices increasing, National insurance contributions damaging business and the general outlook for the economy with unemployment fears becoming a reality’

Cllr Stewart said ‘ Northumberland should be at the very top of the list of areas to have banking hubs, due to its rural nature, poor connectivity, along with an aging population who are not comfortable transacting online’