By Isle of Wight Observer
Cowes has been selected as the first town on the Island to receive a new banking hub, following a review of the town’s needs, requested by Isle of Wight West MP, Richard Quigley.
Recognising the community’s need for access to banking facilities, Mr Quigley submitted information about the town’s current situation and a formal review request to LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, which has now been approved.
The hub will offer a much-needed banking lifeline to local residents and businesses. Operating as a shared facility, the hub will operate with Post Office staff assisting with cash withdrawals, deposits, and bill payments. There will also be private spaces for customers to consult staff from their own bank, who will work on a rotating basis. Staff from various banks will be available on different days.
Mr Quigley said he was pleased with the outcome: “During the election campaign, I had many people complain about the lack of banking facilities in Cowes. After meeting with Adam Wilkinson at LINK, he suggested I put in a review request. I am over the moon it has been successful. The government is committed to providing local communities with the facilities they need to thrive and a banking hub is part of that commitment. Thank you to LINK for acting so quickly.”
Dr Chris Ashton, chief commercial officer at LINK, added: “We know that many people still rely on cash and face-to-face banking. That’s why we’re delighted to recommend a new hub in Cowes. When it opens, the Cowes banking hub will provide a vital service for the local community and High Street.”
Over the next few weeks work will begin on engaging with the community and selecting a location for the hub. Once operational, the new facility will not only meet the immediate banking needs of Cowes residents but also strengthen the town’s High Street.