I have been involved in some really interesting discussions recently.
Cash Access UK, the not-for-profit organisation that operates the UK’s network of banking hubs, came to Frome and met with Prosper Frome and representatives from Frome Town Council.
Cash Access UK is funded by high street banks to provide a solution to the loss of so many face-to-face banking services. Thanks to a change in regulations from the Financial Conduct Authority, and in no small part to the hard work of Prosper Frome, Frome is guaranteed to have a banking hub in place for residents and businesses. Until a hub is in operation, TSB will remain open for counter services. You can also continue to access some banking services at Portway post office.
They told us it usually takes about a year to open a permanent banking hub, due to the time needed to identify a location, negotiate a lease, get plans drawn up and planning applications approved.
However, Frome will not have to wait a year for its banking hub; an interim hub will open inside an existing site, maybe the library or the Cheese and Grain and this is expected to happen in early 2025.
In addition, there is now an ATM machine at Badcox Co-op where both personal and business customers of most banks can withdraw cash and also pay in cheques and bank notes.
The banking hub will provide cash deposit and withdrawal services for most high street banks and provide change and counter services for individuals and businesses from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
For more complex banking queries such as mortgages or power of attorney, the five high-street banks in Frome will have staff at the hub on a rota basis, one day per week for each bank.
At the end of last month, I joined a fact-finding trip to the Chard Community Hub. It is a great concept that we are hoping to be able to learn from as we develop something similar for Frome.
If we can find the right space and volunteers, we could create a fantastic place where people can pop in for a chat, have a coffee, maybe share their skills or do some craft and at the same time have access to some advice and guidance services.
This Sunday, 10th November, will of course be Remembrance Sunday and it will be my honour to lay a wreath on behalf of the town outside the Memorial Theatre. It is always a moving ceremony as we remember local people who gave their lives during the world wars and more recent conflicts.
Do please come and mark the day with us but remember that there will be some road closures in place to allow us to accommodate the formal march and the large numbers of people who attend.
Isn’t the year going quickly now that the clocks have changed? Darker evenings mean it is nearly time to Light the Night on Friday 22nd November, watching the lantern parade and enjoying the entertainment. See you there!
Frome mayor, Cllr Andy Jones
