Plans for a new banking hub in Harpenden have finally been given the green light after almost three years of campaigning.

The town council confirmed this morning (September 18) that Harpenden has been allocated a hub following the mass exodus of high street banks in recent years.

Back in February 2023, Harpenden Town Council applied to the relevant bodies setting out the case for the hub.

This application was rejected despite strong support, including from then MP Bim Afolami.

Banking hubs are facilities open to clients of all banks, where face-to-face banking services are available to those who still want or need them.

The council embarked on a lobbying campaign for changes to the criteria in a bid to secure a banking hub for the town.

This has included liaison with the previous and current government and institutions such as the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Councillor Pip Liver, Mayor of Harpenden, said “Confirmation that a Harpenden Banking Hub will go ahead is excellent news for our town.

"The diminishing banking services has been hugely detrimental to residents and small businesses in Harpenden and neighbouring villages who rely heavily on the town centre.

"The town council’s resilience in its campaign to secure the banking hub has now been rewarded and will make an incredible difference.

"We would particularly like to express our gratitude to local resident and industry expert, Derek French, who has played a vital role in securing this essential service.”

She added: "While this is great news for Harpenden, we are also pleased that our perseverance for change, could lead to the removal of blocks in other similar towns across the country.

"We will now work closely with those responsible for setting up the banking hub to help ensure that it is in place as soon as possible.

"The next stage of this project, leading to a hub opening, does take time and the first step is to find a suitable venue that is accessible to residents and local businesses."

Harpenden has seen a general decline in the number of high street banks in recent years, with Halifax, HSBC, Natwest and Lloyds among the merchants closing their branches.