A NEW hub where people can access face-to-face banking - is up and running in Barnoldswick.

The hub, in Skipton Road, was the first to open in Lancashire earlier this year, and is one of a network of banking hubs across the country owned by Cash Access and run by Post Office in partnership with nine major banks.

Launched following the closure of many town centre banks across the country, the hubs aim to provide people with convenient, face-to-face banking in their own communities.

People can go to the hub to manage their everyday banking needs, including paying bills, and if they need advice from their own bank, access a 'community banker'.

Operator of the banking hub, Vinay Parekh, urged people to use the banking hub.

"People can come everyday to do their banking, and if they have an issue with their account, and need to speak to someone, they come on the day when the community banker for their branch is there," he said.

Mr Parekh, who is also the new sub-postmaster at Barnoldswick Post Office in Frank Street, said the banking hub was there for people in Barnoldswick to access their money and accounts without having to travel to other towns.

Pendle MP Jonathan Hinder, who recently visited the Barnoldswick Hub, said: “I was very pleased to visit the Barnoldswick Banking Hub and learn more about the service. Customers of all major banks can use this facility five days a week for everyday banking and speak to their own bank on a rotational basis one day a week. "I really encourage residents to spread the word, especially to older residents who may not be aware of this new addition to the town centre.”

Last year, Barnoldswick councillors raised concerns after residents reported that the town's ATM machines kept running out of cash.

Councillor Chris Church said the opening of the hub was 'very important for the local community."

"People have missed the banks that have gone. Everybody's had to go out of town. Many people have found it difficult to travel, so to have this here is a great thing," he said.

The Barnoldswick Hub, in Skipton Road, is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Community bankers from Natwest are at the hub on Mondays, from Santander on Tuesdays; from Lloyds on Wednesdays; Barclays on Thursdays, and HSBC on Fridays.