Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen (Lab), has called on the government to consider locating a banking hub in Bitterne.
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Banking hubs let staff from multiple banks share a space, providing counter services run by the Post Office to help communities affected by branch closures.
The Labour government has pledged to open at least 350 banking hubs over the next five years, and Paffey has asked that Bitterne be considered as a priority location.
He has written to Tulip Siddiq, economic secretary to the treasury, to highlight the benefits that a hub would bring to constituents in Bitterne.
His letter follows the recent announcement that Lloyds Bank and Halifax will be closing their Bitterne branches in June 2025.
That news came after Nationwide closed its doors in August 2022. NatWest also shut up shop in April 2023 – a move opposed at the time by the then MP Royston Smith (Con).
Darren Paffey said: “These closures represent a significant loss to the local community, particularly for residents who rely on in-person banking services for their financial needs. With limited alternative options, many - including elderly residents, small businesses, and those without access to online banking - are likely to face considerable inconvenience and barriers to accessing essential financial services.”
• A petition against the closure of the Lloyds Bitterne branch has so far accrued 587 signatures.