I’m delighted to confirm that Sidmouth’s banking hub will be located in the former Joules store on New Street, right in the heart of town.
Earlier this year, I launched a local campaign to send a clear message to the banks that they should staff Sidmouth's banking hub. Since then, I’ve been working closely with the organisation charged with getting it up and running.
It was clear from hundreds of residents and businesses in the Sid Valley who responded to my survey that face-to-face banking services are still crucial. The news of Lloyds planned closure as the last bank in town came as a bitter blow. This hub will protect access to in-person banking services, where there risked being none.
Sidmouth’s Banking Hub will have two different things inside it.
Firstly, a counter where customers from any bank can do basic banking services like depositing cash and cheques whenever the bank is open, which should be Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
Secondly, an advice room – staffed by one bank a day – where customers of the bank available on the daily rota can get advice for things like mortgages, loans, and pensions.
I am pleased to confirm the advice room will have the following daily rota: NatWest (Monday); Santander (Tuesday); HSBC (Wednesday); Lloyds (Thursday); Barclays (Friday).
As a Sidmouth resident, I’m looking forward to my first visit! I’d certainly like to see other banking hubs open across our part of Devon, too, so I’ll continue to explore all options for our towns.