New banking hub is just the start for town's transformation

Gideon Amos MP has expressed his approval for the grand opening of Wellington's new Banking Hub, located on Fore Street. This hub had been operating provisionally in what was previously the Community Office since March, with plans for its relocation to the old Barclays Bank building not far away.

Addressing those gathered at Friday's opening, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington stated: "We need to refocus on making our town centres lively and vibrant, bringing new businesses in and that’s why it’s so great to see the Banking Hub opening here in Wellington."

He went on to share his enthusiasm about the event, commenting: "I’m really excited to see it happening – it’s something I was working on for a couple of years."

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Mr. Amos then highlighted future aspirations: "Obviously, the next stop is we must get a Post Office for Wellington. We need to start with a Banking Hub, then get a Post Office and keep building Wellington town centre."

Welcoming attendees to the opening event was Melissa Whittaker from Cash Access UK, who observed the proliferation of over 100 Banking Hubs nationwide. She said: "I know Wellington has had a temporary banking hub since March which has been very well received by the community.

"So here we are at the permanent hub – the feedback has been fantastic, as it was for the temporary hub, so please use it."

Steve Smith, who operates the hub with his wife Teresa, expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support, stating: "These are exciting times for Wellington with a lot of growth going on in the community."

Cllr Janet Lloyd shared that the town council was delighted to host the temporary hub in its building, reminiscing about how there were four banks and two building societies when they moved to Wellington 35 years ago. She lamented the closure of all banks, including Lloyds last year, leaving the town without any.

She praised the new facility, saying: "I think this is really wonderful – it’s a lovely hub and it’s right in the centre of town."

The hub, which opened just before Christmas, offers basic banking and cash services to residents and businesses. Lloyds, the only remaining bank in Wellington, closed a week after the temporary hub opened.