Turriff’s new banking hub officially opens after town loses all five branches over last decade - Aberdeen Business News
Harriet Cross MP “cut the ribbon” to officially openTurriff’s new permanent banking hubafter the town has lost all five of its banks over the last decade. The Gordon and Buchan MP said she was delighted to. . .
Harriet Cross MP “cut the ribbon” to officially openTurriff’s new permanent banking hubafter the town has lost all five of its banks over the last decade. The Gordon and Buchan MP said she was delighted to mark the opening of the “lifeline” facility based at Turriff’s former Virgin Money branch, which also used to be a Clydesdale bank. A temporary base had been set up at the Turriff’s SJA Spaces building — a co-working space within the town. Open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, the hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions. They can pay in cash and cheques, withdraw cash, check their balance, pay utility bills, and top up gas and electricity, while businesses can also access change-giving services. A community banker service is also available where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on allocated days. Several people were on hand to watch the opening, including representatives from Cash Access UK and Turriff and District councillor Iain Taylor. After cutting the ribbon, Gordon and Buchan MP Harriet Cross said: “I was delighted to mark the official opening of a new, permanent banking hub in Turriff. “Having lost all five of its banks over the past decade, the hub is a very welcome addition to the town’s high street. “This service will be invaluable and a huge asset, especially for rural communities like Turriff, ensuring their access to cash services is protected. “This banking hub will be a lifeline to many rural residents who use cash, especially the elderly and businesses who are finding it increasingly impossible to manage their money because more and more barriers are being put in their way. “I also took the time to speak to Cash Access UK about the need for banking hubs in other parts of Gordon and Buchan, including Ellon, which also no longer has any branches. “The opening of a permanent banking hub marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the financial well-being of our community here in Turriff. ”