PROGRESS is being made to end Haslemere’s banking woes, with potential for a new cashpoint or mobile banking service.

Cllr Robert Knowles – who, as reported in last week’s Herald, labelled the loss of Lloyds Bank as the “death of Haslemere” – put forward a question to Waverley full council meeting on Tuesday (July 6), asking what representation it was providing.

Cllr Liz Townsend, portfolio holder for economic development at Waverley Borough Council (WBC), read out Cllr Knowles’ question because of his absence.

She said: “Many banks have closed across Waverley in recent years because of decreased financial liability?with customers moving online. Although the borough is currently well served for post offices – which are providing more financial services – there remains a particular issue with regard to access to cash throughout the day and night.”

She confirmed WBC’s economic development team had previously worked with Haslemere Town Council and the town’s chamber of trade to request the installation of a cash machine.

She said: “A proposed site owned by Haslemere Town Council in the central car park was circulated to providers with evidence of significant local footfall.

“There was, unfortunately, little interest pre-Covid. However, following news of the last bank closure we have asked the cashpoint providers to urgently reconsider the situation.”

Cllr Townsend confirmed MP Jeremy Hunt had written to the CEO of Link to support the case for a cashpoint in Haslemere, and the town council had been put in touch with the Lloyds Mobile Banking team.

Mayor of WBC, Cllr John Robini, said the town “desperately” needed a cashpoint.