A new banking hub has opened in Ashby town centre with a permanent location on Market Street.

MP for North West Leicestershire Amanda Hack and Mayor of Ashby, Cllr Murrae Blair-Park cut the ribbon on Friday morning (October 16).

Opened by Cash Access UK, the banking hub has taken over the premises of the former Natwest which closed in September last year.

Customers will be able to visit any day of the week to carry out regular transactions such as withdrawals, deposits, checking balances and paying bills.

Cllr Blair-Park said: "The way in which banks operate has changed significantly in recent years, with many services moving online.

"While there are clear benefits to that change, it's important to recognise that many customers still greatly value the opportunity for face-to-face interaction.

"That's why the opening of this banking hub is so welcome. It reflects a collective decision by the banking industry to ensure that customers are still able to speak directly to someone, including representatives of their own bank, rather than having to rely solely on telephone or online services.

"The new hub will provide an important local service for the people of Ashby, giving customers the chance to discuss their banking and financial needs in person," he added.

Due to the closing of banks on the high street, a temporary banking hub was opened in the Ashby Library in May, which the new service will replace.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK said: "I'm happy to announce the opening of our Ashby-de-la-Zouch hub, ensuring crucial access to cash and face-to-face banking services for residents and businesses across the community.

"The way we bank and pay for things is changing, which is why we are rolling out solutions including banking hubs as well as deposit ATMs that help small businesses to readily bank cash.

"Customers can visit any day of the week for their everyday banking transactions, and if you have a specific or more complex enquiry for your bank, a community banker will be there to help on the day they're in the hub.

"A huge thank you to the team at the Library for hosting us while we searched for this permanent home," he said.

The hub also offers a community bank service where, on specific days of the week, customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more confidential or complex issues.

The days will be:

• Monday - NatWest
• Tuesday - HSBC
• Wednesday - LLoyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland
• Thursday - Santander
• Friday - Lloyds, Halifax, Bank of Scotland

Wylie Brown, 28, from Ashby said they were pleased about the new opening:

"With all the banks closing down, it's definitely needed," they told Nub News.

"It won't only be beneficial for the elderly, but many people are brought up using banks on high streets and because it's where the old Natwest used to be, it should be familiar to use.

"I'm with nationwide but I'll definitely use it, especially for bigger payments," he added.

Josie Patenam, 34, works at the Fancy That of Ashby florist, near the new hub: "I'm really glad it's opening. 

"The banking hub in the library was good temporarily, but Market Street is a much better location and it should also help out local businesses.

"Without a banking hub, people struggle to get cash which harms all shops," she said.

Some residents still prefer the services provided in traditional banking.

Jim Wood, 74, from Ashby added: "I would prefer to use proper banks, but if the banking hub is the best we'll get, then fair enough.

"The main problem is that you aren't able to use them every day, and depending on which bank you use, you'll have to wait until your specific day to use face-to-face services."