Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed approval for a new Banking Hub in Havant following his successful campaign backed by local residents.
Mr Mak has been working hard to ensure residents in Havant can continue to access in-person banking services when bank branches close.
The Halifax and Lloyds in the town both shut last month and that has left just Nationwide with a Havant branch, and Barclays with a presence at Havant Library.
Although Barclays closed its East Street branch in 2022, Mr Mak managed to get the company to maintain a physical presence in the library at the Meridian Centre.
He said: "I've campaigned for better banking for several years, supported by local residents. Last week I met the Treasury Minister responsible for banking hubs in Parliament to press the case for our area.
"It's great news that our campaign for a Banking Hub in Havant has been successful. Face-to-face banking is vital, especially for older people and small businesses, and this hub will be a big asset for our community."
Mr Mak added: "Now I want to build on this success by continuing to campaign for banking hubs in other communities such as Emsworth and Hayling Island, which both have no physical bank branches left."
Following years of campaigning by Mr Mak a review by Link, which works to ensure people have access to cash, has recommended Havant for a hub.
This will be delivered by Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company funded by the major banks.
The opening date and location are yet to be confirmed, but the aim is to have it up and running within three months.
The new shared banking hub will provide a counter service for essential cash transactions such as deposits, withdrawals and paying utility bills that is available for customers of all major banks every weekdays.
Plus there will be a community banker service where customers can speak face-to-face with their own bank about more complex matters on the day their bank is in the Hub.
Sign up for updates about the new Havant Hub: www.AlanMak.org.uk/BetterBanking
