Bank to the future
Pilot scheme will run in Main Street until at least 2023
A pilot initiative aimed at providing a banking presence in Cambuslang will continue for at least another 18 months
The BankHUB on Main Street was originally scheduled to run into October, but will now last until April 2023.
It was launched earlier this year after years of locals saying they needed a bank at the heart of the community, after three closed in quick succession around 2017.
The hub was set up by the Access to Cash Action Group, who also launched one in Rochford in England at the same time, with the intention of combating problems generated by a lack of banks in smaller areas.
Cambuslang Community Council coordinates the BankHUB and were delighted at the news.
Their chairman, John Bachtler,
said: “This is fantastic news for the Cambuslang BankHUB and the local community.
“Residents and businesses will be delighted that the BankHUB model is being extended for at least another 18 months.
“Within a few months, the Cambuslang BankHUB has already proved that the model is very successful, providing a muchneeded service to hundreds of local customers every week.
“We are proud that Cambuslang has been piloting a model that has drawn interest from politicians across Scotland and has implications for other unbanked communities across the country.”
Since the two projects were launched it is estimated they have served over 12,000 customers, particularly elderly people.
A key aim of the initiative is to help those, such as the elderly or those with financial difficulties, by providing them with face to face banking rather than forcing them to use online services or to have to travel.
Natalie Ceeney, independent chair of the Access to Cash Action Group added: “We can already see the positive role the Hubs are playing in revitalising these local communities – providing essential banking services for individuals as well as a boost for local businesses.
“Extending the pilots gives us more opportunity to really understand what works for people, and what role services like these could play in the future.
“These are early steps, and over the coming months the Group will explore a wide range of options to protect access to cash.”
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said: ““It is great news that the Cambuslang BankHUB will continue to be a fixture on the Main
Street until at least April 2023.
“Having used the services myself, and from seeing the figures of those using it daily, it has reaffirmed what everyone already knew – there is a need for local face-to-face banking.
“The pilot for this vital facility would not have been secured without the continued hard work of Cambuslang Community Council, and its extension is testament to how successful the project has been so far.”