THE new banking hub in Acton will open at 3pm this Thursday (15), making it easier for people to access banking services.

Located at The Oaks Shopping Centre, it will be the first in London. Martin Lewis, financial journalist, broadcaster and founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, will do the opening, alongside Rupa Huq MP and Lord Vaizey of Didcot, who helped support it.

The hub will offer a counter service, operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions, Monday to Friday.

The hub also offers a Community Banker service, where customers can talk to their own banking provider about more complicated issues.

Acton Hub will be open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, and the Community Bankers will work on rotation:

Monday: Natwest

Tuesday: Barclays

Wednesday: Lloyds

Thursday: Nationwide

Friday: Santander

Banking hubs are being created across the UK and are funded and supported by 10 major high street banks and building societies.

Acton was chosen after LINK, the UK’s cash machine network, identified a need following bank branch closures in the town.

Gareth Oakley, CEO of Cash Access UK, which was set up to protect national access to cash, said: “Hubs such as the one opening in Acton are important for millions of people in these financially challenging times.

“They are having a positive impact on communities – from the counter service to the knowledge and support of the Community Bankers.”

Rupa Huq added: “I’m sure this will prove invaluable to the residents of Acton, including the many (often elderly) who are not online or even those of all ages who prefer the personal touch.”