CONTRACTORS on Wednesday (February 21) began converting empty council offices in Wellington town centre for use as a banking hub.

The hub is expected to open for business before the last remaining bank, Lloyds Bank, closes on March 25.

It will be manned by Post Office staff who will be able to provide banking services for customers of all banks, not just Lloyds.

Each of the major high street banks will also have a specialist staff member present one day a week on a rota to deal with more complex queries.

The banking hub is being set up by Cash Access UK, a not for profit company formed by the major banks and tasked with opening hubs whenever a town loses its last bank.

It will be housed in the former district council community office in Fore Street, which is being bought by Wellington Town Council as it expands the services it provides and takes on more staff.

Jobs with the banking hub are currently being advertised by Hartnell Retail Ltd with an application deadline of March 4.

Seaton-based Hartnell is looking for part-time counter clerks and customer greeters on a three-month fixed term contract.

A spokesperson said: “When the temporary hub opens, it will offer a counter service operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions.

“It will also offer a community banker service where customers can talk to their own banking provider about more complicated issues.”