A NEW temporary banking hub could be open in Dawlish in the next few weeks, the Gazette has learned.

A suitable location has finally been found in the town, within The Strand Centre, for a temporary hub which could be up and running by the end of the month. 

This will be the first time residents in Dawlish will have been able to use in person banking facilities for several years. 

A temporary hub opened in Teignmouth at the end of June just after the town’s last bank, Lloyds, closed.

A similar set up in Dawlish had also been promised. 

Lobbying by Dawlish Chamber of Trade, Dawlish Town Council and former MP Anne Marie Morris had led to a visit by finance chiefs to the town last year to see for themselves how the lack of banking affects its residents and businesses. 

Since then, there had been no indication when or where it might open.

Now, after months or searching the town for premises, plans are well underway for the hub to open using space at the Strand Centre. 

The facility will be operated by Cash Access UK, a not for profit company, which is owned by nine of the major high street banks. 

It is understood the Strand Centre location will be temporary until a permanent site can be found and it is hoped this can be achieved within the next three to six months. 

It will operate Monday to Friday with two, dedicated, full time, staff in place.

One of the major issues was finding a suitable site which was accessible to disabled and older customers. 

Cash Access staff have been looking for ‘some time’ to find a site.

Dawlish has been without a single high street bank or building society for several years. 

The new hub will be very similar to one operating in Teignmouth’s Post Office with one manned counter operation and a separate booth type area for private banking where customers can speak to bank staff who will be using the hub on a rotating basis.