A HEREFORDSHIRE postmaster is calling for support from locals to aid an application for a banking hub.

Tim Allen, gave an update on the future of a permanent banking hub in Kington after locals were asked to sign a petition showing their support.

The banking hub would offer a “contemporary version” of a traditional bank, and see the hub visited by representatives of various banks to discuss personal banking matters with customers. From Monday to Friday the hub would be manned by a local team, who would be on hand to discuss other banking matters.

Mr Allen, along with Marion Evans, put together a paper demonstrating to Link why they felt Kington, which has seen its banks shut up shop in recent years, should be looked at for this opportunity.

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Although the plan was initially rejected, Mr Allen said that the company would visit the town with a “fresh pair of eyes” from September. He mentioned that although it was not for certain the town will get a hub, it was “certainly positive news”.

In his update, Mr Allen urged locals to use cash where they can when shopping in local businesses and independent pubs, as the cash is likely to recirculate in the local community and boost the local economy. Cash can be withdrawn free of charge from the Post Office, and that the number of withdrawals would support the ongoing appeal for a banking hub.

Locals were also urged to leave Google reviews for the Post Office, with only eight currently left, this would also help the towns appeal for the new hub.

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Mr Allen previously campaigned to stop the government scrapping Post Office services, including ones related to the DVLA. Amongst others, he delivered a petition of over 100,000 to 10 Downing Street, demanding that the government reverse its decision.

It was later announced that Mr Allen had been successful in their mission, with the DVLA and Post Office Ltd signing an extension to their contract.

The contract that was agreed was a one-year rolling contract for up to three years, with both parties having to agree at the end of each year if the contract will continue for the following year.