LABOUR councillors in Newton-le-Willows have submitted an application to assess a possible banking hub for Earlestown.

Bank branches in the town centre have all shut down with the closure restricting access of banks and cash machines for customers and businesses.

Those without access to online banking are limited with their financial transactions; impacting independent business’ revenue.

Newton West Labour councillors’ submission follows the announcement that banking hubs run by Post Office will be introduced in 13 areas that no longer have a bank branch.

The hub will allow people to access their account and complete any transaction needed at any time.

Local councillors hope Earlestown will be next in line for a banking hub that would boost the town centre’s economy.

Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE said: "Over the last few years, Earlestown has lost a number of bank branches from the Town Centre, which causes problems for parts of the community and also local businesses.

"This wasn’t because they were unprofitable or not well used, but because banks have centralised to larger towns to save money. Frustratingly in Earlestown, a drop in usage through Covid was used as the justification.

"Whilst modern technology can be effective, it doesn’t provide a solution for businesses who need to bank takings locally, or those who need to access bank services in person to pay in money or seek advice.

"The idea of a Bank Hub would plug a gap in the town centre and could be hosted in either a shop, or our newly reopened Town Hall when it’s finished, and so our local Labour Councillors have applied to the scheme to come and do an assessment and we will see how we work with them to make this happen."

Councillor Gomez-Aspron also detailed on how the installation of a bank hub in Earlestown would be an additional boost to accompany the town centre’s £30m regeneration plans.

READ > Earlestown town centre masterplan gets green light

The Labour Councillor and Vice Chair of Newton and Earlestown Community Group added: "Labour are committed to improving all of our Town and District centres around the borough. And if the community want to get in touch with ideas, they’re more than welcome to."