Harpenden's long-awaited banking hub is set to open on an interim basis next month.

The town council has announced today that the hub will open in the Town Hall in Leyton Road on December 11.

The town hall will be the banking hub's temporary home, while its permanent premises on the High Street is finalised.

Banking Hubs are centrally located, convenient spaces with professional, face to face counter services provided by all the major high street banks.

The town council lead the campaign to establish a Banking Hub for close to three years, following the closure of Harpenden’s Banks.

Its work included public engagement conducted in 2023 which highlighted that the lack of banks in the town has significantly impacted residents and businesses.

Cllr Pip Liver, Mayor of Harpenden, said “The town council has worked hard to deliver banking services that are accessible to individual and business banking customers.

"Our commitment to delivering an interim banking hub at the Town Hall means that we can help to re-establish banking services in Harpenden whilst we work with Cash Access UK to secure permanent premises.”

Residents, business, voluntary and community organisations are urged to use the interim banking hub in the same way as their own bank.

Cash withdrawals, opening an account, paying in cheques, financial advice and all other services are available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Earlier this month, the town council announced that work to deliver the permanent hub is ongoing and it is committed to ensuring its successful opening as soon as negotiations are completed.

Further information regarding the permanent Banking Hub location will be announced when agreements are in place.

A downloadable leaflet and further information is available on Harpenden Town Council’s website: www.harpenden.gov.uk and printed copies of the leaflet are available from Harpenden Town Hall.