e-petitions - Petition to establish a banking hub in Biggleswade

Support the Post Mistress and Post Master of Biggleswade Main Post Office in securing a banking hub for the residents of Biggleswade and the surrounding areas.

Supporting details:

In light of Halifax's impending closure in Biggleswade, it is crucial to advocate for the establishment of a banking hub in the town. With only Lloyds and Nationwide remaining—and Lloyds now closed on Fridays—residents face increasingly limited access to essential banking services. As more banking services move online, the trend of closing bank branches has left many areas without access to face-to-face banking, which is a significant concern for both residents and businesses in Biggleswade who rely on these services for tasks like paying in cheques and withdrawing cash.

Face-to-face banking remains vital, not just for those less comfortable with online banking, but also for maintaining a vibrant High Street and supporting local businesses. A banking hub, offering services from multiple high street banks under one roof, would greatly enhance financial accessibility and stimulate economic activity by increasing footfall in the town centre.

The organisation 'LINK' is responsible for deciding where to establish these hubs, considering factors such as transport links, financial vulnerability, and the age of the local population. This petition reflects strong public support for a banking hub in Biggleswade, a necessary step to meet the growing financial needs of the community and ensure that residents and businesses are not left underserved.

The Franchisees of Biggleswade Post Office are eager to support the local community by establishing a hub and need widespread local backing to make this a reality. Banking hubs, developed by the banking industry in response to branch closures, offer a modern, shared space where customers can access a range of services. Managed by the Post Office in collaboration with major high street banks, these hubs feature dedicated counters for cash services and provide opportunities for in-person consultations with community bankers for more complex needs like mortgages, loans, and pensions on specific days of the week. Taking action now is crucial to secure the well-being and prosperity of our community.

Start date

29 July 2024

End date

9 September 2024

Number of respondents

99