For immediate release:

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT MINISTER VISITS CAMBUSLANG

Cambuslang was given a visit this week by the Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth who was in town to see the Main Street’s BankHub.

The BankHub in Cambuslang has been successful since opening, with local businesses and residents benefitting from the services.

The initiative was launched after every bank branch in Cambuslang closed a few years ago.

The Minister’s visit was facilitated by local MSP Clare Haughey.

The Community Wealth Minister said services like the BankHUb are a “lifeline” to communities.

Commenting, Tom Arthur MSP said:

“With the number of bank branches closing over the years continually increasing, services like the Cambuslang BankHUB can offer a vital lifeline for local communities to access cash and in-person banking services.

“The innovative BankHUB model is very interesting and it’s clear from speaking to local businesses and residents that it is a very welcome addition to the community.

“Cambuslang Community Council have done great work in establishing the initiative, and I know they’ve had the full support of their local MSP Clare Haughey.”

John Bachtler, chair of Cambuslang community council, which has long championed a banking hub in the area, told the Rutherglen Reformer:

“We were delighted to welcome Minister Tom Arthur to the Cambuslang BankHub.  The Minister met the staff and was keen to find out how this new model of banking services operates in practice.

“He also heard about the positive impact of the Hub from local business-people and residents who highlighted the difference it has made to them in not having to travel to Rutherglen, Shettleston or Glasgow for their banking needs.

“Tom Arthur was particularly interested in the involvement of the community in securing the BankHub and the role played by Cambuslang Community Council in the project. He was keen to explore how other communities in Scotland could benefit from banking hubs.

“We are proud that Cambuslang has pioneered the BankHub model, and are grateful to Clare Haughey for arranging this visit to show what banking hubs have to offer.”

Clare Haughey MSP added:

“I am grateful that Tom Arthur accepted my invitation visit the brilliant BankHub on Cambuslang Main Street.

“Having been a customer myself, I know how game-changing the hub has been and I’ve heard from businesses and constituents who share my views that it’s a very welcome addition to the Main Street.

“It is great to see that similar hubs are now popping up across Scotland thanks to the success of Cambuslang Community Council’s handling of the initial pilot scheme.”

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