Montgomeryshire politicians have welcomed the news that Welshpool bank Hub will officially open this week.

Following a lengthy development process, politicians in the area have praised the Hub’s impending opening as a “huge positive” for the town, with banking facilities returning to the high street for the first time since Lloyds Bank closed its Welshpool branch.

Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire said: “Following the closure of the last remaining banks in Welshpool at the beginning of this year, Russell George MS and I have been campaigning for banking services to remain within the town. The opening of the new banking hub will restore access to the major banks on our high street and an ATM, which will be added soon. “

“This is hugely positive for residents of Welshpool and surrounding communities, and will also help to deliver new investment to the town in giving local businesses easy access to vital banking services.”

The facility will be run from the former Lloyds Bank building on Broad Street, offering a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies should be able to carry out regular cash transactions, as well as talk to their own bank about more complicated issues.

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Russell George, MS for Montgomeryshire, added: “I was delighted that Welshpool was chosen as the location for one of the first Hub banks to open in Wales. The Hub will be able to support cash transactions every day. Particularly important is going to be the provision of a Community Banker from many of the major banks on rotation by weekday.”

“Despite some delays, I am delighted that the opening will mean banking services to local residents and businesses will be available on the high street once again.”

Cash Access UK, the developers behind the Welshpool bank Hub, have confirmed that the Hub will open a day earlier than was first reported, on Thursday, December 14.

While previously revealed that the hub would open on Friday, December 15, the hub is scheduled to officially open at 2pm on the Thursday afternoon, following a lengthy development process to bring banking facilities back to Welshpool town centre.

Gareth Oakley, CEO of Cash Access UK, said: “I’m really pleased we are able to open the doors of Welshpool’s Banking Hub after much anticipation and some unexpected delays.

“This Hub will provide much needed cash and banking services to local residents and businesses.

“We look forward to welcoming the community to the Banking Hub and providing them with essential access to cash.”