A NEW community bank has opened its doors to Rochford residents in a bid to give them face-to-face banking for the first time in almost four years.

After 12 months of work and a £120,000 grant, the Rochford Banking Hub on West Street, officially opened yesterday with 40 residents using the site.

Residents have welcomed the move which will see physical banking return for the first time since 2017 when Barclays closed.

Christine Austin, founder of Rochford supporters, said: “I think it’s wonderful. It’s giving more freedom to people who can’t bank online and people who want the services.

“I think it’s amazing and I would congratulate those behind it.

“I want to be able to go to a bank so this is an excellent idea and lets hope that more people do this. This would be welcomed by everyone.”

The community bank is in partnership with the Post Office as well as Santander, Natwest, Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC.

It will provide face-to-face appointments with banks, deposit and withdrawal of cash and payment of bills.

Rochford is one of just nine communities chosen to take part in the “community access to cash” pilot scheme to help residents - particularly the elderly - get access to their money.

A number of banks have closed in the borough in the last decade, leaving residents to travel into Southend to visit their bank.

Rochford ward councillor George Ioannou, who has been working to get the hub up and running said: “Our residents have been going to Southend and Rayleigh to do their banking.

“Without any banks in Rochford, businesses were on the decline.

“Yesterday, we had over 40 residents queuing to use the hub and the feedback was that it was a must for Rochford.

“I am totally delighted and I feel like I have achieved a major goal in providing a service to my residents and businesses.”

Craig Cannell, director of Rochford financial hub said: “The Rochford Financial Centre are proud to announce the delivery of the first phase of their community project to improve access to cash in Rochford; the opening of the Post Office’s first BankHub.”