HOPES have been raised that residents in south Warrington could gain access to a new banking hub.

Warrington South MP Andy Carter says he has met with representatives of a company which provides banking hubs in communities around the UK.

Onebanx says it has developed a range of ways that personal and small business customers in financially-excluded communities can continue to access bank facilities.

It comes following the closure of the NatWest bank branch in Stockton Heath in September.

Mr Carter said: “Being able to walk into a bank and do business face-to-face is something many constituents value greatly.

“Recent branch closures mean longer trips and for those customers who are not online a much-reduced ability to access services.

“I met with Duncan Cockburn, CEO of Onebanx, which provides banking hubs in communities around the UK, to look at the possibility of introducing a hub in south Warrington following the closure of the final bank earlier in the summer.

“I am keen to hear the views of residents and will shortly be carrying out a banking survey across the constituency.”

A statement on the Onebanx website states: “Sometimes it feels as if everyone else is up to speed with technology. But many of us are still trying to figure it out.

“When it comes to things like online banking and banking apps, it is easy to feel left behind.

“At OneBanx you can pop in for a chat with one of our team members and ask questions about how to do things.

“We believe it is better to get help in person, with a person, so we understand what you really need.

“No matter which bank you are with, you can use OneBanx to deposit and withdraw cash, make payments and get help with setting up or using online banking.”