More than a dozen shared bank hubs to be rolled out across the country

More than a dozen shared banking hubs will be rolled out across the country as part of a bid to protect access to cash.

Continued branch and cash point closures have raised concerns that millions of people could be cut adrift from vital local banking services. 

The hubs, run by the Post Office, allow customers of any bank to withdraw money, pay bills and deposit cheques free of charge in one High Street store.

Another 13 locations have been earmarked across the UK, including four in Scotland and the first in Northern Ireland, in Kilkeel. 

This brings the total number of planned hubs to 25. But of the first 12 areas identified, only two have opened.

The Cash Action Group and ATM network Link, overseeing the initiative, say the other ten hubs are due to open within months.

Natalie Ceeney, chair of the Cash Action Group, says the two existing hubs are growing in popularity and providing a lifeline for consumers and small businesses.

t.armstrong@dailymail.co.uk