Kilwinning residents have won their fight to persuade a cash machine network to open another banking hub in the town.

Locals - backed by Councillor Scott Davidson and MP Patricia Gibson - campaigned for LINK to launch a hub in the town after the closure of the post office in January 2023 left residents with limited banking facilities.

The town has been given the go-ahead for the hub as LINK acknowledged the importance of in-person banking for many locals.

Ms Gibson said: “I am delighted to hear that Kilwinning will benefit from a banking hub.

“This new banking hub will be a welcome addition to the town both by consumers and businesses, providing access to cash, much-needed banking facilities as well as face-to-face service.

“I look forward to the opening of this hub which will be a real boon for Kilwinning.”

The hub will allow customers from any bank withdraw and deposit cash as well as make bill payments and transactions at a counter manned by Post Office employees.

Residents can also use private spaces to consult with local bankers from their own bank who will visit the hub on a rotational basis.

While a site for the hub has not been chosen, potential sites will be considered in the coming weeks.

The Kilwinning hub is just one of four across the UK to be approved by LINK.

Chris Ashton, Head of Banking Services at LINK, said: "We know the way we pay for things and bank is changing yet not everyone is able to bank online or use digital payments.

“Many consumers and small businesses still rely on face-to-face banking and cash, that’s why we’re pleased to confirm Kilwinning has been selected for a banking hub.”

The hub will be managed by Cash Access UK which was formed by nine leading UK banks in December 2022 to deliver shared banking hubs in local communities.

Also providing shared banking, a OneBanx kiosk area is also currently available in Kilwinning's Co-op Food.