HELENSBURGH’S new banking hub is unlikely to move into its permanent premises until mid-April at the earliest, an official has said.
The facility is now open at its temporary site in the town’s Civic Centre, with availability from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
It is set to move into the Colquhoun Square premises currently occupied by the Bank of Scotland, which was due to close on Thursday, March 5 but will remain open until Tuesday, March 24.
Councillors have been told that a three-week period is likely to be needed after that before Cash Access UK can take over the building.
The discussion took place at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee on Tuesday, March 10.
Lesley Wilson, Cash Access UK’s regional manager, said: “The temporary banking hub is available for counter service and all basic banking needs.
“There is also a community banker service on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Bank of Scotland will be attending after it closes. Currently we have the Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander on a Monday and Tuesday.
“As you can see from the council’s planning portal we have found a property that we want to have for a permanent site.
“The plans have been submitted for that and we are working through the lease. It is not officially signed, but the property team have moved forward with the plans.
“The reason that we deployed a temporary banking hub in Helensburgh is because of regulations that mean there cannot be a cold spot in the community and we have to find a solution.”
Councillor Fiona Howard (Labour, Helensburgh Central) asked: “Do you have any idea of when you might move in?”
Ms Wilson said: “The Bank of Scotland has delayed until March 24, and there is then a three-week period after that.
“But as soon as everything is signed, I will be able to share the plans, and I believe there are not a lot of changes required.”
Councillor Maurice Corry (Conservative, Lomond North) then said: “This is excellent news and well done to you and your team.
“I was very surprised when I saw the work going on in the foyer (at the Civic Centre) the other day, but it is great to have it in place and the Bank of Scotland site is in a perfect position.”
