Lack of rural banking services holding back business, says Helen

Helen Morgan, North Shropshire's MP,  has added her voice to growing calls for improved banking services in rural communities, highlighting the urgent need for a banking hub in Ellesmere.

Helen has warned that the loss of bank branches had placed additional pressure on Post Offices and a lack of in-person banking was holding back local businesses.

Speaking out on the back of a banking services debate in Parliament on Tuesday (1st September), Helen confirmed she had submitted evidence to independent assessor LINK demonstrating the strength of local support for a hub in Ellesmere.

The submission references letters of support from around 30 local businesses outlining the impact that the lack of in-person banking is having on day-to-day operations.

Helen has long campaigned to secure a Banking Hub for Ellesmere and Wem, with Wem recently getting the go-ahead after work to gather evidence from residents and businesses. This follows the opening of similar hubs in Market Drayton and Whitchurch.

Helen has also laid down an Early Day Motion (EDM), asking Parliament to recognise the gap in banking services in Ellesmere and urgent need for a banking hub. It also asks the House of Commons to acknowledge ‘the tight-knit community built around local high street businesses in Ellesmere and the importance of supporting their banking needs to strengthen the local economy’.

The EDM also highlights the long distances residents have to travel to fulfil in-person banking needs; and asks MPs to support the campaign for a banking hub ‘to ensure Ellesmere's local economy is not held back by lack of essential in-person banking services’.

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said: “Too many rural communities have seen their banking services disappear over recent years, leaving residents and businesses with fewer options and longer journeys to access essential services.

“I have been making the case that towns such as Ellesmere deserve better. Businesses and residents have told me about the challenges they face, and the strength of support shown by local firms demonstrates just how urgently a Banking Hub is needed.

“We have already shown in Wem that communities can make a compelling case for improved banking provision. I will continue working with residents, businesses and decision-makers to ensure Ellesmere's voice is heard.”

A petition has also been set up by Helen calling for a Banking Hub in Ellesmere, available here.

An independent body, LINK will carry out an assessment of banking provision in Ellesmere, reporting back in the coming weeks.