MP 'won't give up' as banking hub bid for Calderdale town refused

MP for Halifax Kate Dearden says she “won’t give up” on pushing for the facility for Sowerby Bridge.

The Courier reported in July how Ms Dearden had submitted an application for the town to house a hub similar to the ones already up and running in Elland and Todmorden.

Banking hubs give people access to cash and face-to-face banking services in areas where bank’s branches have shut.

Ms Dearden says her bid for Sowerby Bridge was rejected by organisers of the scheme LINK but she will be appealing the decision.

"I won’t give up on a banking hub for Sowerby Bridge,” she said.

"LINK concluded that there are already suitable cash services within one mile of the town, including an ATM, Post Office and facilities for people and businesses to deposit and withdraw cash.”

But she says LINK should have used a different postcode – one which is “a more accurate representation of the town centre” – when deciding the application.

"This makes a significant difference to journey times and accessibility,” she said.

"It also did not consider the time involved in travelling to banking services in Halifax to have a significant impact. Much of our appeal challenges these conclusions,” she said.

"A mile on a map does not tell the full story. Reaching the ATM on Rochdale Road involves a steep 87 metre climb from the bottom of Bolton Brow. The Post Office at Beechwood requires another very steep walk up Quarry Hill.

"These journeys are not reasonably accessible for many older residents, people with mobility or breathing difficulties, wheelchair and mobility aid users, parents pushing buggies or anybody carrying shopping.

"Travelling into Halifax is not a reasonable alternative. Travelling to Halifax takes significant additional time.

"After arriving, residents still face a long uphill walk along Horton Street or may need to take another bus to reach their bank.

“The overall journey is not reasonable for working parents, people with mobility difficulties or older people living alone.

"LINK’s assessment does not give enough weight to the real time and difficulty involved in accessing banking services outside Sowerby Bridge.

"The decision needs to reflect people’s real experiences.

"Access should not be judged using distance alone. Sowerby Bridge’s steep hills, transport links, journey times and the needs of local residents must all be properly considered.”