Stokesley is to get a banking hub following a community campaign which was prompted by the closure of its last high street bank.
Cash access company LINK has confirmed that a hub will open in the North Yorkshire market town.
The facility will provide residents and businesses with access to everyday banking services, including cash withdrawals, deposits and bill payments, regardless of which bank they use.
The decision follows a community request backed by Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak and local councillors, who launched a campaign for a review of banking provision in the town.
LINK initially declined to recommend the town for a hub, but reconsidered the decision after the requests.
LINK said it had now determined that additional cash services were needed in Stokesley to support local businesses and banking customers.
Dr Chris Ashton, chief commercial officer at LINK, said: “While more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally, we know that many people still rely on cash and face-to-face banking.
“That’s why we’re delighted to recommend the banking hub in Stokesley.
“There are over 237 hubs open across the country and when it opens, the Stokesley banking hub will be a huge boost for the local community and high street.”
Following the closure of Stokesley’s last remaining bank branch, Santander, in July 2025, Councillor Chris Johnson led a campaign highlighting the importance of face-to-face banking services for local residents and businesses.
He said: “This is fantastic news for Stokesley and the surrounding area. Access to banking services remains essential for many residents and businesses, and the loss of our final bank branch left a real gap in the community.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported our campaign. We will now work closely with LINK and Cash Access UK to help identify the best possible location for the new banking hub.”
North Yorkshire councillor Bryn Griffiths added: “I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and that Stokesley will now get the banking services it deserves.
“This decision shows what can be achieved when a community comes together and refuses to give up. Persistence really does pay off.”
Mr Sunak welcomed the decision, saying he had sought a fresh review after concerns were raised by local residents.
He said: “I very much welcome the announcement that Stokesley will be getting a banking hub.
“Following concerns raised by residents, I sought further information about the original assessment and called for a fresh review.
“I am pleased that process has led to this outcome, which will be good news for local people and businesses.
“Banking hubs play an important role in maintaining both access to cash and face-to-face banking services, and as we have already seen with the success of the Richmond hub, they are highly valued by residents and businesses alike.”
Banking hubs operate as shared banking spaces, offering counter services for customers of all major banks.
They also include private rooms where customers can meet community bankers from their own bank to discuss more complex issues.
The new facility will be delivered by Cash Access UK, which will now work with the local community to identify a suitable location.
Stokesley becomes the fifth town in North Yorkshire to secure a banking hub, joining Filey, Knaresborough, Richmond and Whitby, where hubs are already operating.
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