Access to cash in CH64 – Is it an issue?

Across the country, bank branches are disappearing at an alarming rate. While online banking has become the norm for many people, not everyone is able — or willing — to manage their finances digitally. As branches close, communities are being left without easy access to essential banking services, making the case for more Banking Hubs stronger than ever.

For older residents, vulnerable people, and those without reliable internet access, face-to-face banking remains a necessity. Many people still rely on cash for budgeting and day-to-day spending, yet travelling long distances to withdraw money or speak to a banking advisor is becoming increasingly common.

Local businesses are also feeling the impact. Shops, cafés, market traders, and other cash-handling businesses need somewhere nearby to deposit takings safely and securely. Without local banking facilities, businesses are forced to travel further, spend more time away from work, and carry larger amounts of cash — creating inconvenience and increasing security risks.

Banking Hubs provide a practical solution. NCYC with the support of our Councillors and MP are keen to take a lead on applying for a banking hub in Neston, if our community feels there is a need for one.

Councillor Sion Roberts said “Access to face‑to‑face banking services is becoming increasingly difficult across CH64, particularly for older residents, vulnerable people and local businesses that still rely on cash. A banking hub would provide a practical, inclusive solution and help ensure no part of our community is left behind as traditional bank branches disappear.”

Councillor Martin Barker said ‘The closure of every single bank and building society in Neston has left our town as a banking desert. For many residents and local businesses, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a barrier to daily life.

Since 2015, over 6,600 bank branches have closed across the UK, with nearly 50 parliamentary constituencies now having no branch at all. Yet 3 million people in the UK still rely on cash, and a lot of the elderly do not manage their money online. In Neston, with an ageing population, the impact is even sharper.

Our high street businesses are feeling it too. Without a local place to deposit cash, they face added costs, security risks, and time away from their shops.

A Post Office alone is not enough, and cannot help with complex issues like fraud, blocked cards, or failed payments. Our residents need face-to-face banking support.

That’s why I am supporting NCYC in calling on LINK to urgently assess Neston for a banking hub. A hub would provide a shared space where all major banks operate on rotation, giving residents and businesses access to cash, deposits, and in-person advice.’

Councillor Keith Millar said ‘Neston High Street, like many towns, has witnessed the erosion of our banking infrastructure. Every branch and building society has closed its doors. While digital banking suits some, it does not suit everyone.

For our elderly residents, those who rely on cash, and our local business owners, the disappearance of banks is more than just an inconvenience

Small businesses in Neston need to deposit cash and cheques daily, and travelling miles to do so is both costly and insecure.

Vulnerable residents deserve the dignity of speaking to a real person to manage their money, rather than being forced to use an app or an ATM. Residents need face to face banking support.

I support the NCYC application to make Neston a priority for the next banking hub initiative. These hubs provide a shared space where high street banks work together, allowing anyone to deposit cash, withdraw money, and speak with community bankers.’

Available provisions in CH64

We currently have the following access to cash in CH64:

·       Post office - Little Neston

·       Mobile Post Office – Community Office, Brook Street (Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm)

·       Mobile Post Office – Willaston (Tuesday 11.45am-1pm and Friday 2.30pm-4pm)

·       Cash at till – Little Neston Express

·       Paypoint – Nisa Local West Vale

·       Cash point – Sainsburys

·       Cash point – Tesco

Let us know your views and support our application

Would you or someone you know benefit from a banking hub? Do you bank online? Do you find accessing cash difficult? We need your opinions!

Please complete the survey below by clicking on the relevant link:

·       I am a CH64 resident / I represent a CH64 resident

·       I am a business located / operating in CH64

NCYC will be holding a public meeting about banking hubs on Tuesday 26^th May at 5pm at Neston Civic Hall, please attend this meeting if you would like further information.

We need as many people to complete the survey as possible to increase our chance of success when applying for a banking hub.

Further information - What is a Banking Hub?

Banking Hub’s offers access to cash and banking in local communities. They are open Monday – Friday with access to different banks on each day.

Baanking hubs enable you to:

• pay in cash (notes and coins) and cheques

• withdraw cash (notes and coins)

• check your balance

• pay utility bills

• top up your gas and electricity

• access change-giving services (for registered businesses)

• talk to a community banker from your bank on the day your bank is in the hub

You can find further information on banking hubs here - Cash Access UK - Home