An MP has vowed to “bring banking back to Darwen” after confirming that a site for the town’s new banking hub has been found.
Earlier this year Sir Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen lobbied for a new banking hub, after a series of bank closures in recent years.
A banking hub was confirmed for the town but it was not known when or where it was set to open.
Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company established by ten major high street banking providers, has now confirmed that it has found a site for the town’s new banking hub.
A spokesperson for Cash Access UK confirmed that the building has been identified, adding that lease negotiations are underway.
The new hub will give the people of Darwen access to their cash, pay bills, get banking advice and beyond.
Jake said: “I said I'd do everything I could to bring banking back to Darwen. So I'm delighted that Cash Access UK has confirmed they have found a site for the towns new banking hub!
“They are now working on design plans and will be able to confirm the location shortly. With the new hub on track to be open in May/June next year.
“The hub will ensure everyone in Darwen will have access to withdraw cash, make deposits, pay bills, get advice from their bank about managing their account and more.”
A spokesperson for Cash Access UK said: “We're working hard to bring a banking nub to Darwen and we'll continue to update the community and share updates on the progress we're making through our dedicated web page.”
In February 2022 Lloyds shut the doors on its Duckworth Street branch, blaming a dwindling number of visitors.
Bosses at Santander, also in Duckworth Street, had already announced they were pulling out in 2021 but this was the latest in a steady stream of departures.
HSBC Darwen, in The Circus, closed in September 2012 and is now home to Sunbird Records and Grizzlers.
The former NatWest Bank in Market Street, axed in 2016, has been partly converted for residential usage and has been mooted as a restaurant before now.
Cash Access UK is owned and funded by ten of the UK's biggest banking providers: Bank of Ireland UK, Barclays, Danske Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group, Santander, TSB and Virgin Money.
These firms have come together to provide shared services available to all their customers.
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