Assurances are sought on how Wick banking hub will work

Wick community councillors have sought assurances on how the town’s proposed banking hub will operate.

It was announced in June that the town’s last remaining bank – the Bank of Scotland branch in Bridge Street – is to close next summer.

At the same time, plans for a Wick banking hub were unveiled, with the aim of being open within 12 months, although a location has yet to be confirmed.

Allan Farquhar, chairman of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, has been in touch with Cash Access UK about how the banking hub will work.

Cash Access UK is a not-for-profit company owned and funded by nine major banking providers. Banking hubs are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.

Some of Mr Farquhar’s questions were answered on Monday in an email from Lesley Wilson of Cash Access UK. He relayed the information to fellow community councillors at their September meeting that night.

He had asked whether the banking hub would be situated in Wick town centre. Ms Wilson replied: “Presently, until the lease is signed, we are unable to confirm the location for the hub.”

On the question of whether a post office would be incorporated into the hub and be available Monday to Friday, Ms Wilson wrote: “The post office will be there Monday-Friday for all monetary banking needs. However, there will not be the facility for postal services.”

On whether over-the-counter cash transactions can be made, she stated: “You can pay in cash and cheques, withdraw cash, check your balance, pay utility bills, top up your gas and electricity, access change giving services (for small businesses). Customers can also talk face-to-face to their own bank about more complicated banking enquiries like payments and transfers, managing their account, and how to use online banking.

“Community bankers take it in turns to visit the hub so you will find a different bank available on each day of the week. Community bankers are usually provided by the banks with the most customers in the community.”

Ms Wilson also confirmed that a cash machine will be in place and managed by LINK, the cash access and ATM network.

Mr Farquhar asked if Cash Access UK had approached the Highland Council planning department over change of use of premises. He was told: “Our development team who are all based in Scotland are fully aware of all building and planning regulations required.”

Speaking later, Mr Farquhar said: “We have also enquired as to what the scope of the post office will be. The response in the email has not clarified how parcels will be addressed.

“Also we have queried about how confidentiality will be managed. We are conscious that banks normally have a private room. However, we realise the existing post office arrangements are sadly lacking when discussing personal banking issues.

“This has been brought to our attention by members of the public.”

At the July meeting of the community council, concerns were expressed that the closure of the town’s last remaining bank could make customers more vulnerable to online scams.

The Bank of Scotland in Bridge Street is due to shut in June 2025, with bank bosses saying many customers are now using a mobile banking app or internet banking.

Over the past six years Wick has lost its Royal Bank of Scotland, TSB and Clydesdale Bank branches as well as the short-lived Virgin Money. After the Bank of Scotland closes its doors, the nearest high street banking outlets will be 21 miles away in Thurso.

According to a document shared by Bank of Scotland, the number of customers using the Wick branch has dropped by 30 per cent since 2019, although cash machine transactions have gone up slightly.

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