Earlestown: Banking hub set to open after closure of high street banks

Following the closure of Lloyds Bank in 2022, Earlestown residents have been frustrated at the lack of banking options in the town, with some travelling over to St Helens or Warrington to withdraw cash or speak with a bank representative in person.

Plans for a banking hub have been touted since early 2023, and a temporary location has been confirmed at The Ways to Work Centre on Bridge Street, ahead of a permanent opening.

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Managed by Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company funded by major high street banks, banking hubs are intended to provide essential banking services to areas that have been underserved.

The community space will offer a range of counter services operated by the Post Office, including paying in cash and cheques, withdrawing cash, utility bills payments and top ups and change giving for registered businesses.

There will also be access to community bankers and private space for face-to-face meetings and more complicated banking issues.

Ahead of the Ways to Work temporary launch, the Cash Access UK team will be available at the Earlestown Market on Friday, September 5 between 10:00am and 1:00pm to answer any questions. 

Banking hubs have popped up in areas left underserved by traditional banks (Image: Victoria Shaw/PA Wire) Plans for a permanent banking hub, which will be housed on Market Street, are being progressed alongside the wider Earlestown Town Centre regeneration scheme.

The £28m plans include bringing the much-loved Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall brought back into use, as well as the transformation of the town's historic Market Square.

Further improvements are set to feature across the town centre, including upgrades to the town's railway station. 

Earlestown's market square is set for a huge transformation under the regeneration plans (Image: St Helens Council) Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at St Helens Borough Council said: “It is fantastic to see the opening of the temporary banking hub.

"The issue of high street bank closures has affected towns right across the country and, as a council, we are committed to alleviating the challenges that this has caused for our residents and local businesses.

"Our vision for Earlestown is for a vibrant, community-focused town centre which has the facilities that residents, businesses and visitors need and access to local banking is a vital part of this.”

Claire Martin, Regional Manager, Cash Access UK, added: “If you want to find out what a banking hub is, how it works, and the services it will provide, please come and visit our stall at Earlestown Market on Friday, September 5 between 10am and 1pm.

“I’ll be there with the banking hub operator to answer your questions and explain more about the benefits Earlestown’s new banking hub will bring to the community.

"A lot of people who get the most out of banking hubs aren’t necessarily on social media or online, so please let friends and family know that we’ll be at the market and are really looking forward to talking to people about the hub.”

For more information about the Earlestown banking hub visit the Cash Access website.