Upminster is waiting to hear if it might secure a dedicated banking hub on its high street, as local MP Julia Lopez moves into the final phase of a long-running campaign to restore cash and face-to-face banking services in the area.
Last Thursday, Lopez and local Conservatives hosted officials from Link UK, the body that decides where banking hubs should go, at BrewDog on Station Road, marking the final stage of their official “access to cash” review.
The push for a hub comes after a string of high street bank closures in the area, most recently Lloyds in Hornchurch, leaving residents and businesses with fewer in-person services.
Commenting after the visit, Julia said:
“This visit was a big moment, Link only carries out this final step if there’s a clear need, and we showed them there is. Access to cash still matters, especially for our older residents and small businesses.”
The Chair of Havering Chamber of Commerce joined the visit to show that there is community demand, while a residents’ petition and feedback from the Havering Over 50s forum has been shared. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
The local MP launched the campaign last year, gathering support through surveys, public meetings, and an official submission to the Treasury Committee. She originally asked Link to assess Harold Hill, Hornchurch, and Upminster as potential hub locations — but was told by Link that only Upminster qualifies.
If approved, the hub would provide cash deposits, withdrawals, and in-person advice from major UK banks on different days of the week — a shared solution already being rolled out in towns across the country.
“I’ll keep working with Link and local partners to make sure Upminster’s case stays front and centre.”
