Newcastle Building Society unveils plans for community branch in Yorkshire

A town in the Yorkshire Dales will become the home of a new community building society branch after facing the withdrawal of its last bank.

Newcastle Building Society has announced plans to open a new branch in the Upper Wensleydale Community Office in Hawes, North Yorkshire.

The opening of the community branch is part of a larger strategy by the building society to ensure that rural communities remain connected to services, with plans including re-imagining its locations and adapting its approach to suit the needs of local people.

Andrew Haigh, chief executive at Newcastle Building Society, commented: “We share the same core values with the town of Hawes, including a belief in the importance of taking action to create positive change.

“This is at the heart of our strategy in growing a bright and sustainable future hand in hand with local people, and we are thrilled to be planning our move into the beautiful town of Hawes.”

Upper Dales Cllr John Blackie added: “We wholeheartedly welcome the arrival of Newcastle Building Society who will fully complement our existing range of services, delivered locally for the benefit of the local communities in the Upper Dales.

“The Council see the great benefits of having the Society set up in Hawes. Indeed the news is already creating an air of excitement everywhere and there is a discernible buzz spinning around the town.”