The last bank moved out of Moreton over two years ago
Banks who left a Wirral town years ago said their return has been a success after a lengthy campaign. For the first time in over two years, five banks will have a permanent base in Moreton.
A new permanent banking hub has opened up in Moreton, with five banks taking part in the scheme led by charity Cash Access UK. People will be able to access cash and a number of other services on any day, whichever bank they are part of, as well as getting advice from banks on particular days.
On Monday, Natwest will be operating out of the hub with Santander on Tuesdays, Halifax on Wednesdays, Barclays on Thursdays, and Lloyds on Friday. The hub will operate out of the old Barclays on 247 Hoylake Road, Moreton, CH46 0PF.
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At an opening event with Wirral Mayor Cllr Cherry Povall, Cllr Vida Wilson said: “I am amazed by the amount of people who have come in today. From opening, it’s been a steady building up of people using it. It’s nicer, brighter, and lighter,” adding: “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing, people just ringing me up saying thank you for all the hard work to get this here. People aren’t having to travel anymore.”
She said “It’s handy for everybody, it’s in the heart of the community,” adding: “It’s an extremely mixed community here, elderly and young families. People do not want to travel.
“I think the fact we are the first permanent one on the Wirral is absolutely fantastic. It’s the culmination of two and a half years of hard work.”
Jordan Reece from Cash Access said they looked to move into Moreton following requests from local councillors with a study done of the area. Another temporary banking hub has opened up in West Kirby.
He said the new hubs had been massively successful across the country including for nearby businesses that still use cash, adding: “Even just being here for this event, there’s been a constant flow of people coming in to use it. All the banks are telling me how busy they are. It just shows how important it is for people.
“Five to six million people still rely on cash for their day to day lives. Although the banks have started leaving places, there are still people out there who rely on this.”
Despite moving out of Moreton several years ago, banks like Santander said it had been really successful. Lisa Ferguson who manages the Birkenhead branch for the bank said the hubs could be the future of banking in smaller town centres.
She said: “I think the key thing is that there is a presence in the local community. It’s an opportunity for growth and it’s working in unison with our customers,” adding: “People can now do all this on their door step.”
