Major victory for Wem as Banking Hub secured after Helen's campaign

Residents and businesses in Wem are set to benefit from the return of face-to-face banking services after confirmation that the town will receive a new Banking Hub.

The announcement follows months of campaigning by Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, who has worked closely with residents, businesses and LINK to make the case for improved banking provision in the rural market town.

Wem has been without a bank branch since 2018, leaving residents and local businesses reliant on a single Post Office and poor cash services. Helen has repeatedly raised concerns that the current provision was not meeting local needs, particularly for businesses handling cash or wanting to carry out more complex business banking, as well as residents who struggle to access online banking.

As part of her campaign, Helen met with residents to hear first-hand about the difficulties caused by the loss of banking services. Helen also wrote to businesses across the town to gather evidence of the impact on local trade.

Helen then took the campaign to LINK, asking them to reconsider the case for a Banking Hub in Wem after an earlier application was rejected. Representatives from LINK agreed to visit the town in early June, meeting with Helen to hear of the challenges facing local people and businesses.

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said: “This is fantastic news for Wem and a major victory for everyone who has supported this campaign. For too long, residents and businesses have been left without access to the banking services they need. I have heard from people who have had to travel significant distances to manage their finances, while local businesses have faced additional costs and inconvenience simply to carry out routine banking.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences, sign the petition, write to me, and make the case for why Wem needed a Banking Hub. Wem should not be overlooked and I’m pleased LINK understands the challenges facing our town.”

The new Banking Hub will provide everyday banking services, including cash withdrawals and deposits, as well as access to community bankers from major banks on a rotating basis throughout the week. Details of opening times and which banks will visit on which days are yet to be announced.

The banking hub will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the local community and will start to look for potential sites. There are currently 241 hubs open across the UK.

Helen added: “Banking Hubs are proving hugely successful in supporting high streets, helping businesses grow and ensuring residents can continue to access face-to-face banking when they need it.

“This is a significant step forward for Wem, but the long-term success of the hub will depend on people using it. I would encourage residents, community groups and businesses to make full use of the new facility so we can demonstrate just how important these services are to our town.”