Residents in Darwen will now be able to meet staff from five different banks at a ‘Banking Hub’ in the town centre, after its location was confirmed.

Cash Access UK has confirmed the Banking Hub in Darwen will be located at 16 Market Street.

Work is also underway for Cash Access UK to open three more Hubs across Lancashire in 2024 in Bacup, Barnoldswick and Great Harwood.

The Hub, when it opens, will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday, 9am to 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. 

Customers can meet staff from the following banks on the following days: Monday: NatWest; Tuesday: Santander; Wednesday: Lloyds; Thursday: Halifax; Friday: Barclays.

The team at Cash Access UK are now working to fit out the new premises but an opening date has yet to be announced. 

Gareth Oakley, chief executive of Cash Access UK, said: “We are delighted to be able to announce the location for our Darwen Banking Hub – it’s a big step towards getting it open.

"Access to cash is so important and I’m pleased that we will be able to provide this service for Darwen’s residents soon.”

MP for Rossendale and Darwen, Sir Jake Berry, said: “I promised to do everything I could to bring banking back to Darwen.

"I’m delighted that with the support of Cash Access UK we have been successful.

“This is a fantastic result for local businesses and those people who prefer to do their banking in person, rather than online. And best of all, no more having to trek over to Blackburn to do your banking!”