Moray MP Douglas Ross says he was “delighted” to be at the official opening of the Banking Hub in Forres.
Douglas was joined by the local manager of the banking hub and Forres postmaster Councillor Paul McBain, and fellow Forres councillor Kathleen Robertson and other local representatives at the officia opening.
Douglas praised the “tireless” work of local campaigners – including Paul – who have engaged closely with him and those behind the banking hub to ensure people and businesses in Forres still have access to physical banking services.
He says that being able to access services from major banks is “crucial” for customers in rural and remote communities in Moray who have seen branches disappear at an “alarming” rate in recent years and for those who cannot access mobile or online banking.
Paul McBain – who also represents Forres as a councillor – says he was “incredibly proud” to have played a key role in returning banking services to Forres and says he is already seeing the demand for banking services from loyal customers in Forres.
Kathleen Robertson – who is also the General Election candidate in the new Nairn, Strathspey and Moray West seat – says “fighting for vital local services” like bank branches would be a top priority if she is elected and that banking firms must look at the demand at the hub and stop plans to shut more branches.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I was delighted to cut the ribbon to officially open the banking hub in Forres.
“This is now the most Northerly bank hub in the UK and is the result of tireless work of local campaigners – including the new banking manager Paul McBain – and I have been delighted to be alongside them every step of the way and fighting the case with those behind the hub for Forres to be one of their new sites.
“It is fantastic to see it all come to fruition and for loyal customers in the town to once again have access to banking services from major branches on their doorstep throughout the week.
“That is crucial for customers in communities across Moray who have seen their branches disappear at an alarming rate and simply cannot rely on mobile or internet banking.
“I look forward to seeing the Banking Hub used by customers in Forres and for it to continue to go from strength to strength.”
Local Manager of the banking hub and Forres Postmaster Paul McBain said: “I am so proud to have the Banking Hub in Forres officially opened.
“It has not been easy getting here, but I was determined to ensure that banking services returned to the heart of Forres High Street. In the first couple of weeks since it took up its new home at 96 High Street, we have seen that customers in our town need that access to a physical branch.
“It has been great to work closely with Douglas and Cash Access UK to make the positive case for a Banking Hub to come to our area.
“I am confident that demand will only continue to grow among customers and the hub will be on hand to support them.”
Forres Councillor and General Election candidate Kathleen Robertson said: “It was great to attend the official opening of the Banking Hub and it has created a real buzz in Forres High Street.
“It has been deeply disappointing to see many of our bank branches across Moray close in recent years and it was dreadful to see every major bank abandon Forres.
“If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the next MP to represent Forres, then fighting for physical banking branches to be retained in our communities will be a top priority of mine.”