Stone Banking Hub officially opens its doors

Stone’s new Banking Hub has officially opened today, giving residents, visitors and business owners access to essential everyday banking services in the heart of the town.

The new Hub is located in the former Betfred unit on the High Street, sandwiched between BOD and All Seasons Fruit and Veg shop. The space has been fully refitted to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for customers.

What is a Banking Hub?

Banking Hubs are shared spaces operated by Cash Access UK. Each Hub includes a counter service run by the Post Office, where customers can withdraw and deposit cash, check balances, and pay bills.

In addition to the counter, a private room is available for appointments with visiting bank staff, who are on-site on a rotating schedule to help with more complex banking needs.

The Stone Banking Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Will Stone Banking Hub have a cash machine (ATM)?

No. There is no cash machine at the new Banking Hub. All cash services must be carried out at the counter during opening hours. This means if you need to withdraw or deposit money, you’ll need to visit while the Hub is open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

However, there are plans to improve ATM access in the town. A planning application is currently being considered to install a free-to-use cashpoint at Stone Post Office. To read about the planning application for a new cashpoint at the Post Office, visit our earlier report here.

Designed to be accessible

The new Banking Hub has been built with accessibility in mind. It features a level entrance with no steps and a power-assisted door, making it easier for wheelchair users, older residents and those with pushchairs to access the service.

There is no cash machine at the new site. Instead, cash withdrawals and deposits are available at the counter during opening hours. Plans are currently progressing to install a free-to-use cashpoint at Stone Post Office, with a planning application submitted earlier this year.

Not replacing the Post Office

There has been some confusion locally about whether the Post Office is moving. It is not. Stone Post Office remains in its current location and has issued a public statement to clarify the situation:

“CUSTOMER NOTICE

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS,

WE’D LIKE TO CLEAR UP ANY CONFUSION AND REASSURE YOU THAT WE ARE STILL OPEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE FROM THE SAME LOCATION WITH THE SAME SERVICES !

THE BANKING HUB IS A SEPARATE SERVICE OWNED BY THE POST OFFICE

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE STILL THE LOCAL POST OFFICE AND WE ARE NOT MOVING IN THE BANKING HUB.

WE’RE HERE TO STAY AND CONTINUE SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH ALL THE POST OFFICE SERVICES YOU KNOW AND RELY ON.”

So while both services offer banking support, the Post Office continues to handle parcels, travel money, bill payments and more, while the new Hub focuses on in-person bank support and access to cash.

Find out more

To learn more about what Banking Hubs do and where they are opening across the UK, visit cashaccess.co.uk.