Simon Jupp MP officially opens Sidmouth Banking Hub
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, officially opened Sidmouth’s new banking hub on the 4th of April following his dedicated campaign to save access to banking services in the town.
The East Devon MP launched a local campaign last year calling for high street banks to staff a banking hub in Sidmouth after Lloyds announced the closure of its local branch, which was the last major bank branch left in the town. The demand for a banking hub was made clear through hundreds of responses to the MP’s campaign from residents and businesses across the Sid Valley.
Working with Cash Access UK, the organisation set up to protect nationwide access to cash, Simon Jupp MP shared feedback from the survey with the bosses of major high street banks about the services local people would like to see offered from the new banking hub. 96% of survey respondents said they wanted staff from their own bank in the hub.
Following discussions with the organisation throughout 2023, Simon Jupp MP announced in December that Cash Access UK had chosen the former Joules store on New Street as the location of the new banking hub. Work progressed quickly on its construction, with the East Devon MP being invited to meet with the new manager, Janet, in March ahead of its official opening.
Joined by representatives from the local community, including David Cook, President of Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, and Cash Access UK’s Project Manager, Sonja Critchley, at the opening ceremony, Simon Jupp MP thanked all those involved for bringing the much-needed service to the town before cutting the ribbon on the new banking hub.
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “I was chuffed to be asked to cut the ribbon on Sidmouth’s new banking hub. Following a dedicated campaign and a great team effort from all those involved in its delivery, it’s fantastic to see this much-needed service open to residents. Staff from banks we haven’t seen in town for years are now available face-to-face each week. As a Sidmouth resident, I’m really looking forward to being a regular customer. After the success of securing banking hubs in Sidmouth and Axminster, I want to see more open across our part of Devon, in places including Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Ottery St Mary. I’ll continue working with LINK and Cash Access UK to get banking services back in our towns.”
Denese Molyneux, Chairman of Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, said; “The Chamber of Commerce is delighted at the opening of the banking hub, which has been well received by Sidmouth residents and businesses alike. We appreciate the efforts that Simon Jupp MP has made on behalf of the town to bring this most valuable facility within the reach of everyone.”
Cat Farrow, Chief Operating Officer of Cash Access UK, said; “We’re very pleased to open the Sidmouth Banking Hub. We’ve seen how much difference the hub in Brixham is making to the local high street and community after being open for just over a year. Sidmouth Banking Hub will be just as valuable and we’re now ready to serve local residents, businesses and visitors.”
