A petition in support of proposals for a new banking hub in Abbots Langley has reached more than 2,500 signatures.
As reported in last month’s ABBOTSnews, the proposed hub would provide access to cash services, with staff available to help on a set day of the week.
Councillors Vicky Edwards and Ian Campbell advanced the plans after a meeting in August with Gagan Mohindra, MP for South West Hertfordshire, and LINK representatives, who review requests for cash and banking services.
At the meeting, Mr Mohindra MP explained the popularity of the banking hub proposal amongst many village residents.
Discussions regarding concerns about local buses 329 and 20 were brought up, as they were said to be often delayed and have long routes to alternative banks in Watford and Hemel Hempstead.
According to the Abbots Langley councillors, LINK allegedly expressed concerns that the High Street lacks a sufficient number of retailers that use cash to warrant a banking hub, despite the closure of two banks in recent years.
LINK reportedly prefers there to be a minimum of 70 retailers in urban locations that meet their criteria and at least 50 retailers in rural locations in order to recommend a full banking hub.
To alleviate concerns, cllrs Edwards and Campbell collated a list of retailers that meet the proposed criteria.
They showed LINK that Abbots Langley High Street has 50 relevant retailers, with a further 40 within a one-mile radius at School Mead, Katherine Place, Abbotswood, The Brow and more.
They now await LINK’s decision. If LINK does not recommend a banking hub on this occasion, cllrs Edwards and Campbell plan to continue working to secure one for the village.
To view the petition, visit www.shorturl.at/JmeJx
Photo credit: Gagan Mohindra MP Facebook
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