THE HUNT is on for a permanent location for Dawlish’s new banking hub. 

The temporary facility has opened in Strand Hall at the Strand Centre run by not-for-profit Cash Access UK and is now open five days a week.

This will remain open until a suitable permanent site is found. 

The temporary hub has been welcomed by residents and businesses. 

Mayor of Dawlish, Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury said: ‘Dawlish Town Council, together with Dawlish Chamber of Trade and others has been lobbying for the opening of a Banking Hub following the closure of the last high-street bank several years ago.  

‘We are thrilled to now have the first step towards a permanent hub in Dawlish which will offer a convenient and sustainable service between the Post Office and other community bankers in one place.  

‘We will continue working with stakeholders to ensure the permanent solution is opened as soon as possible.’

Martin Wrigley ,MP for Newton Abbot, said: ‘It’s great to see the new banking hub open in Dawlish.  

‘Many people have found it hard to be without a bank in the town, so the new hub will be a great asset. 

‘A big Thank you to all who helped to make this happen.’

Gareth Oakley, CEO at Cash Access UK said: ‘I’m happy to announce that our temporary Banking Hub in Dawlish is now open. 

‘Residents can now enjoy access to cash and face-to-face services once again. We’ll be able to provide an update to the community on a permanent location for the Hub soon.’

The temporary hub offers 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 also offers 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.

On Mondays Barclays, Wednesday Santander, Thursday NatWest and Friday it is Lloyds.

There are now six Banking Hubs open across Devon, including Dawlish, with others open in Axminster, Brixham, Dartmouth, Sidmouth and Teignmouth.