Moray MP Douglas Ross says plans 'progressing' for banking hub in Forres
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Moray's MP says he's had a "useful and constructive" meeting over the future of banking in Forres.
The last of the town's branches closed last year. However a company called Cash Access UK is currently looking for a suitable site in Forres for a 'banking hub'.
Douglas Ross talked to Cat Farrow, the firm's chief operating officer, to see how those plans are progressing.
After the meeting Mr Ross said: "Banks have shamefully abandoned the Forres area in recent years.
"Many of my constituents cannot simply switch to online or mobile banking, while businesses like having a bank on their doorstep to deposit cash.
"That was taken away by banks who did not even have the decency to explain their decision to people in Forres.
"The meeting with Cash Access UK has reassured me that the plans for a banking hub are still very much progressing.
"As the local MP I am determined that they will come to fruition so local residents and businesses can once again carry out banking activities in person like they always to.
"I will continue to liaise closely with Cash Access UK and hope we can see real progress in the coming months."
The proposed hub would be open from Monday to Friday to allow customers from any bank or building society to withdraw and deposit cash as well as carry out regular transactions.
In addition, 'community bankers' would work there on a rotating basis, with a different bank present each day.
