LINK, the UK's cash machine and cash access network, yesterday recommended a banking hub for Bramhall.

According to the LINK website, the new hub would provide a place "to withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions. 

"They also provide private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy."

The recommendation comes following NatWest's announcement that its Heald Green branch would close on 11 July 2023, in a move which many fear would leave Cheadle locals without access to face-to-face banking services. 

In a document explaining the branch closure, NatWest cited a 64% decrease in average counter transactions - as well as a 38% increase in the number of people using mobile apps - since January 2019.  

Following NatWest's announcement of branch closure, an effort was made by the community and local politicians to secure a local LINK branch.  

Cheadle MP Mary Robinson was involved in the campaign, as were local Liberal Democrat councillors.  

In a statement provided to a resident, LINK said: "We have visited Bramhall, Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Gately, and Edgeley.

"Following a number of community requests from elected representatives and the public, and based on our criteria, we have recommended that a banking hub should be established in Bramhall."

Lib Dem councillor Tom Morrison told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "This is a huge success for our area and for those councillors and campaigners that fought to make it happen.

"Our campaign attracted the support of a thousand people across Cheadle constituency, and I would like to thank everyone that got involved.

"Access to cash is a serious issue for hundreds of vulnerable and elderly residents across Cheadle constituency.

"The closure of our local banks would have done untold damage, however this commitment to opening a banking hub will help provide the support that people and local businesses need."

Mary Robinson MP also said on her website: "It's brilliant news that LINK have recommended Bramhall for its 100th Banking Hub!

"Having raised the issue of local bank closures with the Prime Minister in Parliament last year, I have been in discussions with LINK as part of my banking hub campaign. So, I am delighted by today's announcement.

"Local businesses and residents have keenly felt the effect of the wave of bank closures across our area. 

"This hub in Bramhall will reinstate services, allowing customers to deposit and withdraw cash, pay bills, and, importantly, speak with community bankers from their own bank.

"I'm pleased that my positive work with LINK, supporting my constituents and listening to their calls for restoration of a high street banking service has resulted in this welcome announcement."

However, David Meller - Labour councillor for Cheadle East & Cheadle Hulme North - also told the LDRS: "We are a little concerned about the decision to place this in Bramhall.

"We have asked for the criteria that has resulted in the bank hub being located there over Cheadle Village.  

"Public transport links to Bramhall are not especially ideal and I'm fearful some may struggle to access the bank hub there.

"Locating the bank hub within Cheadle Village would have supported many more communities, including Cheadle Heath and Edgeley, through the bus routes that serve the area."

Similarly, some residents argued that there are more older residents in Edgeley who do not have transport and therefore less access to the hub.  

Acknowledging disappointment in response to this, LINK said: "All requests are assessed against set criteria given to us by the Cash Access group which is available on our website."

Cllr Meller did, however, add that it would be "churlish to let this entirely overshadow what will benefit many people".

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