ACCESS to banking is set to get a bit easier in Launceston - despite the latest wave of branch closures.

It has been announced that the town will be among the latest to play host to a banking hub in the near future.

The news comes after it was announced that the town’s Natwest branch is set to close its doors for the last time in the near future - but will remain open until the banking hub is ready.

A spokesperson for LINK, a non-profit cash access provider across the United Kingdom said: “Following closures announced by NatWest, LINK has confirmed Launceston will benefit from the new banking hub as part of a wider commitment to protect access to cash. This will be the tenth banking hub to be announced in Cornwall.

“Banking hubs are a shared banking space, similar to a traditional bank branch, but available to everyone. When opened, the hub will consist of a counter service operated by Post Office employees, where customers of any bank can withdraw and deposit cash, make bill payments and carry out regular banking transactions.

“In addition, there will be private spaces where customers can speak to community bankers from their own bank for more complicated matters that require specialist knowledge or privacy. The banks will be working on a rotating basis, so there will be staff from different banks available on different days.”

Dr Chris Ashton, the chief commercial officer at LINK added: “While more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally, we know that many people still rely on cash and face-to-face banking. That’s why we’re delighted to recommend the new hub in Launceston. There are almost 160 hubs open across the country and when it opens, the Launceston banking hub will be a huge boost for the local community and high street.”