A NEW banking hub has been proposed in a town that has been left devoid of any banks.
Early last year, Earlestown was recommended as one of the locations to receive a new banking hub after the departure of Lloyds Bank in 2022 left the town without a bank.
The lack of banking options in Earlestown has been a huge bugbear in recent years, with some residents forced to travel into St Helens or Warrington to deposit or withdraw cash, or speak with their bank representatives in person.
A banking hub, which residents believe will be a huge benefit in Earlestown, is a shared community space that provides consumers and businesses with accessible ways to deposit cash and bank face to face.
If approved by St Helens Council, the works will install a new shop front and signage regarding the new banking hub, including a illuminated design and lettering.
The Market Street building, next to the William Hill betting shop, is believed to have been constructed in the 1920s and would need to be refurbished to meet the demands of the banking hub and the requirements of Earlestown's Conservation Area.
If constructed, the banking hubs will have a traditional counter service operated by the Post Office.
Community bankers from nine major high street banks will also operate on a rotating basis to provide support on more specific matters in a private space.
Deposit services also provide small businesses with a facility to access and pay in notes and coins, while utility, gas, and electricity bills will also be able to be paid or topped up.
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