Chris Hazzard MP welcomes new ‘Banking Hub’ in Kilkeel
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the new ‘Banking Hub’ in Kilkeel.
The South Down MP said: “The announcement of a new ‘Banking Hub’ in Kilkeel is welcome for residents and local traders alike.
“The recent bank closures across South Down have been a huge blow to our local businesses.
“Workers who depend on cash and face-to-face banking services.
“It is essential that these services are returned to our rural communities.
“Our preference is for bank branches to remain open in rural areas.
“People need to access the full range of services that are on offer.
“However, with various banks failing to commit to this, it is welcome that the ‘Banking Hub’ will be established.
“It will provide basic banking services for all the major banks from one high street location.
‘These services include a counter service and Post Office, and dedicated rooms where customers can speak to trained staff from their own bank.
“The future of banking services needs to be designed with communities and other service providers.
“While the trend is towards increasing digital banking, for some customers this is not convenient or possible. For rural communities this is an important service and a necessity.”
