WEST Yorkshire's first banking hub has opened in Otley this week.

Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash, officially opened the Otley Banking Hub on Wednesday, April 17. The Hub is located at 15-17 Kirkgate, LS21 3HN.

The Hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.

It will also offer a Community Banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the Hub:

Monday: Barclays

Tuesday: Halifax

Wednesday: HSBC (9am to 1pm)/ Santander (1pm to 5pm)

Thursday: NatWest

Friday: Virgin Money

Otley’s Banking Hub is the first to be opened in West Yorkshire, with work underway to open Hubs in South Elmsall, Batley, Elland, Ossett, and Wetherby.

The Hub was recommended by LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, following the announcement of the closure of town’s last remaining bank branch.

An official opening will be held this Friday (April 19) at 11am.

Gareth Oakley, CEO, Cash Access UK, said: “I’m pleased to announce the opening of our Otley Hub. Cash and face-to-face banking services are very important for millions of people across the UK and we’re glad to be able to help the Otley community with new services on their high street.”

Joe Woollin, Digital Inclusion Development Worker, Otley Action for Older People, said: “The opening of a Banking Hub in Otley has been enthusiastically anticipated by communities forced into lengthy journeys in search of banking services.

“The Hub will bring access to in-person banking closer to home again; restoring an essential service for locals, many of whom will rely entirely on the Hub over technology-dependant alternatives. We must take advantage of the Hub, ensure we visit and vote with our feet to demonstrate the continued need for in-person banking.”

Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds North West, said: “I am pleased to see the opening of Otley’s new Banking Hub by Cash Access UK. This innovative initiative brings essential financial services closer to our community.

“I am thrilled by the prospects this hub offers, promising to enhance accessibility to the residents of the town and the surrounding area, as well as supporting local businesses.”

Cllr Richard Hughes, Chair, Otley Town Council, added: "I am really pleased that Otley has been chosen as one of the early locations for a Banking Hub - lack of local banking facilities and help needed addressing. Otley Town Council looks forward to supporting the Banking Hub grow and develop."

If you would like to know more about the Banking Hubs please contact: cashaccessuk@cicero-group.com.