Councillors renew calls for banking hub in Stokesley

Councillors in Stokesley have this week renewed their call for a banking hub in the town, warning that residents and businesses are being left behind as bank branch closures continue across the region.

Liberal Democrat councillors Bryn Griffiths and Chris Johnson spoke out after Santander announced its Northallerton branch would close on May 6.

The Santander branch in Northallerton will close on May 6. Photo: LDRS.

The closure is one of 44 announced by the company.

With Santander’s branch in Stokesley closing last year, its customers will be directed to Darlington or Stockton in future.

The councillors say the situation regarding bank closures has worsened sharply since a banking hub proposal for Stokesley was previously explored and rejected in March 2025.

At this point, the town still had an operating Santander branch and a 24-hour cash machine on the High Street.

Both have since gone.

Cllr Griffiths said: “The closure in Northallerton is shocking news — yet another nail in the coffin for high streets in market towns.

“Yet again, both the public and businesses are being let down by the banks. Banks should not be allowed to close without having a banking hub already in place, to deal with non-cash and face-to-face transactions.”

Banking Hubs are shared facilities funded by major high street banks and delivered through Cash Access UK.

They allow customers of multiple banks to access essential services, including cash withdrawals and deposits and in-person support.

Cllr Johnson raised the need for a banking hub at North Yorkshire Council in December, securing the support of councillors at the Richmond area committee.

He has also visited the Richmond Banking Hub, speaking directly to staff and customers to see how the model works in practice.

He said: “My visit to the Richmond Banking Hub confirmed exactly what we already know — this is the solution Stokesley needs.

Market towns must retain essential services like banking if they are to remain viable.

“We need this Banking Hub and we need it fast. We are working with Stokesley Town Council to drive this forward.”