A new permanent banking hub is set to open in the former Barclays bank building, which has stood empty since the bank closed in 2018.
The hub, which is currently operating on a temporary basis from The Laverton, will move to the old Barclays premises in the High Street.
Town Mayor, Cllr Jane Russ, welcomed the news, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled the permanent banking hub will be in the town centre. The temporary hub at The Laverton has been useful for filling the gap, but it wasn’t in the town centre.
“The irony will not be lost on anyone that the banking hub will be going into a former bank building.”
Westbury has been without a bank since 2019 when, following the closure of Barclays bank in May 2018, Lloyds bank also closed its Westbury branch in February 2019. The temporary hub at The Laverton opened in April this year following a resident’s campaign to restore banking services in the town.
Julie Dyer, support services team leader at Westbury Town Council, added, “The move to a permanent High Street location is fantastic news. Not only does it breathe new life into an empty building, but it also makes everyday banking easier and more convenient for residents and local businesses.”
Operated by Cash Access UK, banking hubs are shared spaces, similar to traditional bank branches, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments, and carry out regular banking transactions.
In a statement, Cash Access UK said, “Our team is working hard to progress plans for a permanent home for the banking hub in Westbury. In the meantime, the temporary hub at The Laverton remains open for everyday banking transactions.
Pictured: Westbury Mayor Jane Russ outside the former Barclays building
