Harriett Baldwin MP has backed an initiative allowing Pershore residents to access a banking hub.

It is part of a national scheme to extend banking services to communities affected by high street bank closures.

The West Worcestershire MP has collaborated with Lloyds Bank, the Financial Conduct Authority, Cash Access and the cashpoint company Link to secure a permanent banking hub in Pershore, following the closure of the town's final bank at the end of May.

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A temporary hub will be set up in the town's library next month, while the permanent location is finalised.

She also helped facilitate discussions between Cash Access and Pershore Town Council.

Mrs Baldwin said: "I have been regularly meeting with Cash Access, which is the organisation responsible for opening banking hubs and last week it was confirmed to me that plans for the temporary and permanent solutions are well underway.

"I am confident that the temporary solution will open shortly and I am grateful to the Pershore Town Council who have been fully supportive of this work and have agreed to locate it in the library.

"The permanent provision still needs some effort to get the details agreed, but I’ve been able to keep a firm hand on this as the right plan is developed and connect people to make sure all the right parties are talking to each other.

"Banking hubs are very convenient as most major banks can be accessed in one place and I am confident that this temporary plan will lead to a good permanent location."