New banking hubs are coming to Hatfield and Royston in a big boost for the Hertfordshire towns.

LINK, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, will be bringing the hubs to nine locations across the UK, after identifying them as requiring further cash services as part of a 2021 banking agreement.

Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone.

The hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.

In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.

The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.

"We’re very pleased to recommend new hubs in Hatfield and Royston," said Chris Ashton, head of banking services at LINK. 

"Access to cash and face-to-face banking services are very important and the banking hubs will be vital for local consumers and businesses."

A lack of banks in Hatfield has long been a cause of concern for resident, with HSBC, Lloyds, Santander and Barclays all leaving the town since 2021.

The last remaining bank, Halifax, has now announced it will be shutting down its Hatfield branch, which led to LINK identifying the town for a banking hub.

It's a similar story in Royston, with plans for a hub coming after Barclays departed in 2022 and Lloyds earmarking their branch for closure.