Alicia Kearns MP has officially opened the new Banking Hub in Oakham.

The Hub is located at the former Lloyds Bank building at 43 High Street, Oakham, LE15 6AT.

The new Hub will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Thursday, 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.

Community Bankers will work on rotation, with a different bank available on each day of the week:

• Monday: Barclays
• Tuesday: NatWest
• Wednesday: Santander
• Thursday: Lloyds
• Friday: HSBC

HSBC will be operating at the hub from 21 June following the closure of the Oakham branch, which remained open while the banking hub was installed.

Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash, has opened the new Hub, making it easier for locals to access banking services.

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK, said: "I'm happy to announce that we have opened a Banking Hub in Oakham, the first in Rutland. It's a positive development for local residents and businesses and will make a great difference to Oakham's high street."

The Hub was recommended by LINK, the UK's cash access and ATM network, following the closure of the HSBC branch. Alicia worked with HSBC to ensure the branch did not close until the new Banking Hub was up and running.

Sally-Anne and Alicia Kearns opening the new hub. Image credit: Alicia Kearns MP.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "Oakham's new banking hub is fantastic news for our community and for all those who rely on cash and face-to-face banking.

"This new community asset will offer improved access to banking locally, with five different banks operating from the same site, outstripping the banking provision in most local towns.

"It was an honour to officially open the Hub and see this wonderful service up and running"

Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth, Oakham's Mayor, helped launch the new community hub.

Oakham Town Council commented: "Oakham Town Council welcomes the new Banking Hub. Our residents and businesses rely on

access to cash, and we are pleased to support and promote this addition to our community."

Find Oakham Banking Hub at:

43 High Street

Oakham

LE15 6AJ