THE Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire, has welcomed the news that Launceston will receive a new community banking hub - becoming the latest town in Cornwall to benefit from the rollout of these much-needed facilities.

The announcement comes after LINK, the UK’s cash access coordination body, concluded its official assessment and identified a “significant impact” on the local community following the planned closure of the town’s last remaining high street bank, NatWest. The MP, alongside local Cornwall Councillors, has campaigned for a Banking Hub in the town since the first announced closures of Lloyds, Santander, and Halifax bank branches.

The new hub will offer counter services, an ATM, and rotating access to major UK banks, joining other Hubs in Bude and Bodmin. This comes after months of pressure from local businesses, residents, and Ben Maguire MP himself, who raised concerns about how bank closures were harming the high street and isolating older and vulnerable customers.

Commenting on the announcement, MP Ben Maguire said: "This is of course very welcome news for Launceston, especially as the last of the town’s banks prepares to shut its doors. With thousands of residents and dozens of small businesses relying on access to face-to-face services, I’m really pleased we’ve been able to secure a hub that will help keep banking alive on our high street.

"I know just how important securing a Banking Hub in the town was for so many residents, so I'm very pleased to see that sense has finally prevailed. I'll do my best to keep constituents updated on the progress of the Hub, including sharing further details as and when I am informed of further developments."

Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South, Damon Dennis, added: "Some very good news for my Launceston constituents today. Since I was elected to serve as the Councillor for Launceston South, access to bank services, amidst so many recent closures, has been one the issues that comes up time and time again. Today's announcement will go far to ensure that access to cash, and vital banking services, will continue in our town.

"Huge congratulations of course goes to the campaigners who fought tirelessly to get this Banking Hub brought in!"