Restore rural banking services to help keep high streets alive, says MP

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, has warned that the loss of high street banks is leaving communities and businesses without access to the services they need, forcing many to travel long distances or rely on overstretched Post Offices.

North Shropshire has lost nearly 73% of its bank branches since 2015, with Oswestry now the only town in the constituency with a bank.

In Wem, where the last bank closed in 2018, residents and businesses have to depend on a single Post Office and a small number of cash machines, which are often under pressure and frequently run out.

The MP is calling for a review of a decision to reject a Banking Hub in Wem, as well as campaigning for a hub in Ellesmere, arguing that current provision does not meet the needs of local people or businesses.

A Banking Hub is a town centre building that gives banks the chance to operate there once a week on a rota basis.

Helen said that while Post Offices provide basic services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, they cannot replace the full range of modern banking support that’s needed.

Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said: “Access to proper banking services is essential to keep our communities and high streets alive, so the Government’s review is welcome.

“Residents using the Post Office currently face long queues and limited services, while businesses are being forced to travel miles to carry out banking tasks.”

The Government is currently reviewing in-person banking services and said that dependent on the outcome, it could take steps to “protect access to face-to-face banking where needed”.

The MP has written to businesses across Wem and Ellesmere, and highlighted how they are among those hardest hit, with some reporting 30- to 50-mile round trips to access banking services, resulting in lost productivity, additional costs and disruption to trading.

Some have warned that the lack of proper services is ultimately restricting investment and growth.

Cash usage in North Shropshire remains significantly high, with withdrawals 42% above the national average, placing further pressure on Post Office services that are already struggling to meet demand.

Helen said that Banking Hubs would not only relieve that pressure, but also provide support for more complex transactions and account management.

She added: “Banking Hubs can have a huge impact in supporting businesses to grow, helping residents access vital services locally, and bringing life back to our town centres.

“Without them, rural communities risk being left further behind and we need to send a clear message that our towns deserve better.”

Helen is now urging residents and businesses across Ellesmere, Wem and surrounding areas to back her campaign and help demonstrate the need for improved banking services.

“I would encourage everyone to support this campaign and sign my petition so we can bring banking services back to our high streets,” she added.

You can view and sign the petition at helenmorgan.org.uk/banking-hubs.