A NEW banking hub will officially open in Abergele for the first time later this week.
The hub will be located at 67 Market Street, the former home of Barclays Bank, and will officially open on Friday (June 14), following a "soft opening" on June 7.
This will be a shared banking space; like a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone.
Barclays closed its branch in Abergele in late 2017, and is one of seven banks to have left the town.
Cllr Charlie McCoubrey said: "I am delighted to see this project come to fruition and I would like to offer my thanks to everyone involved.
"The opportunity for customers and businesses to have face-to-face meetings with their banks will be invaluable."
READ MORE:
Rhyl pub which faced suspension can stay open as council ‘satisfied’
Bargain Booze store in Rhyl confirms its re-opening date
Cannon and Ball’s Tommy Cannon is special guest at Towyn pub
Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who will attend the official opening on Friday, said he feels it will make a real difference to businesses and residents.
Mr Millar said: “The opening of a banking hub in Abergele will be much welcomed by people in the town and the surrounding areas.
“Whilst there are a number of ATMs nearby and a Post Office, there are currently no banks in Abergele, and residents have to travel to Colwyn Bay or Rhyl to visit their branch, so this hub is much-needed.
“In towns where hubs have already been installed, such as Prestatyn, they have proved to be a great success, and I know it will be in Abergele, too.”
Cllr Alan Hunter, who represents the Pensarn ward, added: “They had a 'soft' opening last Friday to make sure systems were working and to welcome the public and introduce the hub team.
"While l was there, several members of the public came in and they were very pleased that the hub had opened.
"Some of the visitors made transactions during their visit.
"The banking hub will be a very welcome addition to Abergele's high street.
"I have followed the progress with great interest via Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, who has had regular contact with the development team.
"Abergele Post Office have done a great job of providing services to the public and our local businesses, and the opening of the banking hub will be a welcome addition and add to the offer of banking to the public and our businesses."
Last year, it was confirmed that Abergele was one of the latest towns in the UK selected for a hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash.
Mr Millar met representatives of LINK, the UK's cash access and ATM network, last month to discuss the new facility and how it will benefit residents of Abergele.
He added: “The hubs have a counter service where customers of all main banks can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments, and carry out regular banking transactions.
“Also, they have private spaces where customers can speak to someone from their own bank about more complex issues.
“The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.
“The aim is that all the main banks in the area will take part in the rota.
“I very much look forward to attending the opening of this much-needed facility, which will make a real difference to local businesses and residents."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here