A plan for a much-anticipated new banking hub for a town that was left without any banks at all has been lodged.

The proposal will see the former PR Gibbs and Co office on Market Street, Westhoughton, turned into a hub for all kinds of banking services.

This comes after the town was left with no banks and only two post offices after Lloyds Bank closed its branch on Market Street in 2022.

Cllr David Wilkinson, who represents Westhoughton South, said: “It’s a change of use so most likely will be dealt with by council officers, I’d be very surprised if it came to committee.”

He added: “Obviously people would be very happy to see a banking hub, the lady who was heavily involved in bringing it to the town, Lesley Monks, would be happy to see it.

The plans have been submitted to Bolton Council (Image: Ridge and Partners LLP)

“Many residents will be happy to see some sort of banking services to be available, I can’t really see any reason for it to go to committee or for people to object.”

The plans will also include changes to the back of the building and installing a new heat pump.

A previous bid had been lodged to turn the former office into a bar, like the many others that have sprung up in the centre of Westhoughton in recent years, but did not go ahead.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “So we didn’t get a bar, but we had space available for this facility.

“Because one thing we have in Westhoughton, is when we’ve got an empty space someone comes along quick.”

He added: “We’re doing well, we’ve got independent businesses in Westhoughton doing well because people are prepared to stick their necks out and invest their money.”

The new hub will be run by Cash Access UK, a not-for-profit company set up to provide banking services across the UK.

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The plans were submitted to the council on Tuesday, August 27.

A design and access statement said: “The subject property is within a terrace row consisting of two units that have been historically combined, with Cash Access UK’s demise being the ground floor of these two units only.

“The building is of masonry construction, with internal load-bearing walls supporting timber floor and roof structures.”

The council will decide whether or not to approve the plans by Tuesday, October 22.