A campaign has been launched to secure a banking hub for Whitehaven after Santander announced it will close its town centre branch.
The King Street branch is the last remaining high street bank in the town and the firm announced it is one of 44 to close across the country.
It is earmarked for closure by January 2027.
Santander said it did not have a confirmed date for the opening of a new banking hub, so the closing date of the Whitehaven branch may change to align with the hub’s opening.
Cash Access UK will make a final decision following an assessment of the area and engagement with the community.
Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister, working with Whitehaven councillors, has launched a petition to urge Cash Access UK to open a hub.
Banking hubs are shared facilities that provide counter services, cash access and face-to-face support for customers of multiple banks. They have been introduced in towns across the UK where traditional bank branches have closed.
Mr MacAlister said: “The closure of Santander’s Whitehaven branch is a major blow for our town. It leaves residents and businesses without any high street banking at all, which simply isn’t acceptable.
“Many people still rely on face-to-face banking, whether that’s older residents, small businesses handling cash, or anyone who needs support with their finances.
“A banking hub would ensure Whitehaven continues to have access to essential services without people having to travel long distances.
“I’m urging everyone who cares about the future of our town centre to sign the petition and show how strongly Whitehaven feels about this.”
Local councillors have also voiced their support for the campaign.
Councillors Emma Williamson, Joe Ghayouba and Jeanette Forster said in a joint statement: “The loss of the last bank branch on Whitehaven’s high street is deeply concerning. We hear time and again from residents and local businesses who depend on in-person banking and cash services.
“A Banking Hub would help protect vulnerable residents, support local traders and maintain footfall in the town centre. Whitehaven should not be left behind as essential services disappear from communities like ours.
“We fully support this campaign and encourage people to sign the petition so decision-makers can see the strength of feeling locally.”
The campaign is calling on Cash Access UK to recognise Whitehaven’s need for continued face-to-face banking provision.
Residents can support the campaign by signing the petition online at joshmacalister.uk/banking-hub
