Ashby's MP is "delighted" by the opening of a new banking hub in the town this week.

Cash Access UK has announced the facility will open at Market Street at 11am on Friday 16 October.

MP for North West Leicestershire Amanda Hack and Mayor of Ashby, Cllr Murrae Blair Park will cut the ribbon at the opening event.

Ahead of Friday, Ms Hack said: "I'm delighted to officially open the permanent location of the Banking Hub in Ashby.

"Access to high street banks has declined in Ashby over many years, leaving some residents having to travel miles to access essential banking services.

"The permanent Banking Hub will make a real difference to those who rely on face-to-face support and need access to banking services locally.

"That's why I recently met with LINK at Labour Party Conference to discuss how we can extend access to face-to-face banking across North West Leicestershire, ensuring more people can get the support they need, when they need it.

"Everyone should have access to essential banking services close to home, and I'll keep pushing for practical solutions that make a real difference to people and our communities across North West Leicestershire."

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The hub has been set up by Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit organisation that has been established to protect access to cash across the UK amid the closing of high street banks.

Customers of all major banks can visit the hub any weekday between 9am and 5pm to carry out regular transactions, such as withdrawals, deposits, checking balances and paying bills.

The hub will also offer 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

The opening of the hub in this new permanent space will mean the hub will no longer run out of Ashby Library and bring the town in line with hubs already successfully running in Lutterworth, Market Harborough and Syston, with another two on the way in Hinckley and Oadby.