Bradley has secured a meeting with a Government Minister to discuss his calls for a Bromsgrove Banking Hub after raising his campaign in Parliament.
It follows the news yesterday that (January 29th) the Lloyds’ Bromsgrove branch will close on May 7th 2025 and Halifax’s Bromsgrove branch will follow suit just a few weeks later on May 29th.
Both banks have promised they will be providing a Community Banker to support customers after the branches close.
However, Bradley doesn’t believe this is enough and has called for the creation of a permanent Banking Hub in Bromsgrove.
A Banking Hub brings Post Office cash services and Community Bankers together in one place, ensuring people can still bank face-to-face and access cash services too.
In the House of Commons today (January 31st), Bradley raised his Bromsgrove Banking Hub campaign and asked the Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, Gareth Thomas MP, to meet with him to make the Banking Hub a reality.
Bradley said:
“With the impending closures of Lloyds and Halifax, this will mean our High Street has lost four banks in just three years. If we’re not careful Bromsgrove could become a banking desert and I’m not going to allow that to happen.
“That’s why I took my Bromsgrove Banking Hub to Parliament today. I’m pleased the Minister recognised the importance of Banking Hubs, and I look forward to meeting with him to discuss my campaign further.
“I know the Post Office and Cash Access are planning to open more Banking Hubs, and I’ll be making the strong case to them that they should be opening one in Bromsgrove.
“The strong case for a Banking Hub could be strengthened further if concerning reports in the media are true that WH Smith will be selling its 500 high street stores. The Post Office has a branch in WH Smith’s Bromsgrove store – putting the future of the Post Office branch at risk if the store closes.
“I’ll be working hard in the weeks and months to come to ensure my constituents can continue to access face-to-face banking and vital cash services.”
In response to Bradley’s question in the House of Commons, the Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, Gareth Thomas, said:
“I recognise that there will be a lot of concern in the hon. Member’s constituency following that news yesterday. I agree that banking hubs can make a significant difference, which is why we have been quick to roll out more than 100 of them. Plans for another 76 have already been developed and we are committed to rolling out 350 in total. I am happy to meet him. I'd be very happy to meet with the Honourable Gentleman.”
