HM Treasury announced on 18 September 2026 that the UK’s 250th banking hub had officially opened in Chepstow, preserving access to cash and face-to-face banking for thousands of local residents and more than 100 businesses. The department said the opening followed the announced closure of Chepstow’s last remaining bank branch the following month, which would otherwise have left residents travelling eight miles to Lydney — a journey of around 30 minutes by public transport and costing £4.

The hub offers cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque deposits and access to community bankers, plus an external free-to-use ATM for 24-hour cash access. Treasury Minister Lucy Rigby opened it, and HM Treasury said the milestone forms part of a manifesto commitment to deliver at least 350 banking hubs this parliament. Hubs are owned by Cash Access UK, the not-for-profit organisation behind shared cash and banking services; the department noted hubs have also opened in Holyhead, Prestatyn and Porthcawl.

Cash Access UK chair Natalie Ceeney said more than eight million transactions had been supported across all banking hubs and deposit services since the start of 2026. HM Treasury also cited an independent review into access to banking services, commissioned in May, which was due to make recommendations to government in October.