West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today offered her support to the team which will be opening a new banking hub in Pershore when Lloyds closes its branch.

Harriett met with Link – which runs the national cashpoint network and now has the responsibility to support communities which have been left without any high street bank.

A senior director has already visited the town confirm that there is a clear need for a banking hub and has triggered the start of the process of locating a venue for the new service.

Following the meeting, the MP wrote to Lloyds Bank, the Financial Conduct Authority and Cash Access – the company which is opening the hub – to ensure that the work is carried out at pace.

Harriett has asked for a formal confirmation from Lloyds that it will not leave the town until the permanent replacement plan is operational and she has offered her support to Link and Cash Access to get a plan in place as quickly as possible.

Harriett said:

“I had a positive meeting with Link and was pleased to hear that the team has already visited Pershore and seen the importance of delivering face to face banking to this vibrant town’s residents and business people.

“I recently met with the Lloyds and TSB local management, and, in the room, they committed to keeping the bank open until the new banking hub is operational.

“To reinforce this pledge, I have also written to the chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group for his commitment, which I understand is a requirement if every high street bank leaves an area.

“In other areas, the banking hub has taken a long time to get in place, so I have offered my full support the to team which is identifying a site and getting a hub up and running.”

Link’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adrian Roberts, added:

“I have now visited Pershore and agree that, with Lloyds Bank closing, the beautiful market town needs a banking hub.”