The 250th banking hub opened in Chepstow, Wales, as part of efforts to maintain access to cash and traditional banking services. This milestone aligns with the goal of establishing at least 350 hubs across the UK by the end of this parliament, according to Cash Access UK. Since early 2026, these hubs have supported over eight million transactions, highlighting their importance in regions affected by bank branch closures.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-18,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
The 250th banking hub is opening its doors, as part of moves to help plug gaps in access to cash and banking services.
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hub → open → services
Cash Access UK, an organisation set up to protect access to cash, said the milestone had been reached with the 250th banking hub in Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales.
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milestone → set → Monmouthshire
A community banker service will also be offered, enabling customers to speak to their own bank about more complex issues on the day their bank is in the hub.
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bank → offer → hub
The hub is located in the heart of the town centre in Beaufort Square.
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hub → locate → Square
Referring to the commitment to deliver at least 350 banking hubs this parliament, Ms Rigby said: “We’re well on our way to opening 350 hubs across the UK – a manifesto commitment and a key part of our Financial Inclusion Strategy.”
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We → refer → Strategy
Banking hubs have helped to fill gaps amid waves of bank branch closures, the rise of digital banking, and concerns that some parts of the UK were at risk of becoming cash “deserts”.
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parts → help → risk
Cash Access UK shows that since the start of 2026, more than eight million transactions have been supported across banking hubs and deposit services, with cash withdrawals being particularly popular.
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withdrawals → show → hubs
It said new services continue to expand across the UK, with 45 banking hubs opening in 2026.
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hubs → say → 2026
To date, 285 banking hubs have been recommended, with more openings planned in the coming months.
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openings → recommend → months
Gareth Oakley, Cash Access UK chief executive, said: “I’m happy to announce the opening of Chepstow as our 250th hub, ensuring crucial access to cash and face-to-face banking services for residents and businesses across the local community.
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I → say → community
“The services are hugely popular, with a busy front desk to support cash transactions and a rotating community banker to support face-to-face banking needs.
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services → support → needs
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“This year we’ve opened a new hub every week, so we see the real difference it makes to the local community and are proud to be bringing this service to Chepstow.
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it → read → Chepstow
According to a recent report from UK Finance, cash made up 8% of payments in 2025, falling from 9% in 2024 and 45% in 2015.
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cash → accord → 2015
By 2035, cash use is expected to account for just 4% of payments made in the UK, with around two billion transactions, UK Finance’s report said.
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report → expect → transactions
Natalie Ceeney, Cash Access UK chairwoman, said: “Every one of our 250 banking hubs exists because millions of people and small businesses across the UK need somewhere to walk in, deposit their takings, withdraw cash, or sit down with someone face-to-face about their banking.
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millions → say → banking
“Since the start of 2026, more than eight million transactions have been supported across all banking hubs and deposit services, showing that face-to-face banking and access to cash is still vital for those that need it.
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that → support → it
“We are working together with the major UK banks to provide this service and will continue to do so in order to support communities across the UK.”
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We → work → UK
John Howells, chief executive of cash access and ATM network Link said: “Access to cash and face-to-face banking remains vital for millions of people and businesses who rely upon these services.
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who → say → services
“We are proud of Link’s role in recommending 283 hubs to date, alongside 192 other cash services to make it easier for businesses to bank cash.
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businesses → recommend → cash
“While cash may no longer be the default payment method for most people, we know that when payment and digital systems fail, cash provides the necessary resilience.”
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cash → know → resilience
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock said: “People and businesses across Wales want services such as banking to be available in their local communities – and that’s what we are delivering via the new hubs.
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we → say → hubs
“The UK Government is determined to make local services work better for people, and I’m delighted for the people of Chepstow that this new hub will serve their community so that face-to-face banking continues long into the future.
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banking → determine → future
Ross Borkett, financial services director at the Post Office, said: “As we celebrate the opening of the 250th banking hub in Chepstow, it is clear just how important the model has become.
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model → say → Chepstow
“Banking hubs now help thousands of people and businesses access everyday banking services locally, while also providing face-to-face support from major banks when it matters most.
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it → help → banks
“This milestone reflects the trusted role Post Office and postmasters continue to play at the heart of communities.
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Office → reflect → communities
“We are proud to be working with Cash Access UK and our banking partners to keep cash and banking services on the high street, supporting local economies and ensuring customers can access the services they need close to home.”
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they → work → home
The Aporia
