West Lindsey District Council will carry out a review of banking facilities in Gainsborough this year after concerns were raised about closures impacting residents and businesses.
The review was unanimously supported at the full council meeting following a motion that was brought forward by Cllr Mandy Snee due to the continuing trend of banks across the country closing.
She said:
“Whilst many people are comfortable and able to bank online, some, often the older generation, still rely on banking in person. The worrying trend of closing bank branches means people having to travel substantial distances when many are in poor health, unable to drive and therefore having to rely on disjointed public transport links or friends and relatives.”
As an example of a potential solution, Cllr Snee highlighted the good example of a Banking Hub which opened late last year in Market Rasen. It is in a centrally located building, thanks in part to the support of the Chairman of the Council, Stephen Bunney.
Cllr Snee added:
“This banking hub is already proving to be an essential part of the community. With this in mind, I ask the Chief Executive on behalf of the Council to consider as part of the wider marketplace regeneration, a review of the banking facilities available in the Gainsborough and surrounding areas and provide a report to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee by November 2025 on whether or not a banking hub similar to that in Market Rasen is necessary and deliverable.”
Cllr Matt Boles seconded the motion. He said:
“One of the reasons I was happy to support the motion was the comments around the review of banking facilities available in Gainsborough.
“We know we have got banks and building societies, but when we look at this a bit more wider, we always talk about residents who can't get into the banks and do this and do that.
“I have a lot of comments from local businesses in Gainsborough who struggle to operate because, yes, there might be banks in Gainsborough, but they do not provide the facilities that they need for their business, so they are still having to travel out of town. I'm pleased that the motion covers that wider aspect and would encourage us when we are doing this to consider the banking needs of businesses in Gainsborough as well.”
The issue was discussed at length by councillors. It was unanimously agreed to review the banking facilities available in the Gainsborough and surrounding areas and provide a report to Corporate Policy and Resources Committee by November 2025 on whether or not a banking hub similar to that in Market Rasen is necessary and deliverable.
To find out more about what was discussed at the full council meeting visit: Council meetings