A third banking hub which will serve thousands of people is set to open in Kent.

Those living in Tonbridge will be able to use the facilities after losing several big-name banks from the high street.

In August 2023, HSBC left the town, following in the footsteps of Barclays, Lloyds and NatWest.

At the time, Cllr Mark Hood (Green) told KentOnline the closure was “very worrying” and had suggested the town needed a banking hub.

A community request was later submitted by resident and campaigner Sally Pearce with the support of Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat.

An initial decision to turn it down was overturned after LINK – the UK’s cash access network – was provided with more information as to why the town requires more banking services.

Sally said: “This is fantastic news for Tonbridge businesses and residents.

“The loss of bank branches has had a significant negative impact on our high street businesses’ ability to trade and accept cash, and this decision represents a very welcome, positive step forward.

“It’s been a challenging journey to get to this point, but we now have an outcome that makes it all worthwhile.”

Mr Tugendhat (Con) added: “Following the closure of so many banks on our High Street in the past couple of years, a banking hub is clearly what Tonbridge needs – I am grateful to LINK for agreeing to recommend that one be opened in Tonbridge.

“With challenges for businesses banking and so many of us relying on cash, better banking options in Tonbridge will help support the local economy.

“I am grateful to everyone who has campaigned for this change, led by Sally Jane Pearce, and look forward to a banking hub being opened over the next few months.”

In the following weeks Cash Access UK, which will deliver the facility, will start looking for potential sites.

Banking hubs are shared spaces available to all banking customers and consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees.

The banks work on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.

Customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions as well as speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy.

Chief commercial officer for LINK Dr Chris Ashton said: “We’re very pleased to recommend a banking hub in Tonbridge.

“The community made a strong case to our independent assessor, highlighting the specific needs of local businesses to bank cash.

“Once open, the hub will be a much-valued community asset for both businesses and consumers.”

The banking hub is the third to be recommended in the county. One opened in Sidcup this week and another is set to welcome customers in Sheerness on Monday (March 24).

But other towns in Kent have faced rejection in their calls for one.

In December, an appeal to open one in Swanley – which has no banks – was denied which the town council’s Ryan Hayman called “deeply disappointing”.