As you are aware, BPARA had been lobbying for a Banking Hub for Bletchley for some time, and enlisted the support of Callum Anderson, MP, who recently met with Nick Quin, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at LINK, regarding the potential for a banking hub in Bletchley.
- As previously advised, LINK conducted a formal cash access assessment in October 2024 following the announcement that Lloyds Bank would be closing its Queensway branch in March 2025 – which concluded that Bletchley was not eligible for a banking hub.
- Callum requested a new assessment to explore the viability of a banking hub, given Bletchley’s growing population and vibrant business community, and LINK carried out a second review in May 2025 which reached the same conclusion – LINK does not recommend any new cash access services in Bletchley at this time.
- The reports state that existing services – primarily the Nationwide branch and the Post Office on Queensway – are considered sufficient to meet local needs, and the area does not
meet the criteria for further provision. - This would still be the case following the upcoming closure of the Barclays Local service at Bletchley Leisure Centre.
- There is, therefore, little to no prospect of a banking hub being recommended in the short to medium term, unless there is a major change, such as the closure of Nationwide.
- This outcome is shaped by both legislation and regulation. Current frameworks tightly define where and when new services can be provided.
- While the Government has committed to delivering 350 banking hubs during this Parliament, these are being prioritised in areas where all banks and building societies have left,
and where the Post Office is either absent or insufficient - Given all of this, Callum’s view is that it is not worth pursuing the case for a Bletchley banking hub further at this time. That said, he believes we should keep the situation under review – particularly if there is any indication that Nationwide may close its branch.
