New banking hubs for Bathgate and Linlithgow

Bathgate and Linlithgow are set to get new banking hubs.

Following this week's announcement of the closure of the final bank branch on the high street in both towns, UK cash access and ATM network LINK has confirmed the plans.

The hubs will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.

In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters. The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.

To date, LINK has recommended 146 banking hubs, including 21 in Scotland. There are currently 60 banking hubs up and running in the UK.

The new banking hubs will be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the local community and will start to look for potential sites.

The hubs will likely open in 12 months’ time.

Chris Ashton, chief commercial officer at LINK: “Many people locally still need cash, and this hub will play a crucial role in helping them access it on the high street.

“We’re determined to make sure that, as we all choose new ways to pay, people who use cash in places like Bathgate and Linlithgow have the benefit of a convenient, accessible location to access and deposit cash on the high street.”

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