Councillor Stephen Cooksey, Leader of Mole Valley District Council (MVDC), said: “I am delighted to bring you news that following cash access assessments for Dorking and Leatherhead, as requested by MVDC, LINK has recommended the permanent provision of a banking hub for Dorking, and ‘an automated deposit service (notes)’ for Leatherhead.

“The setting up of the banking hub will be led by Cash Access UK and it is expected that it will be in place in Dorking in a matter of months. Meanwhile we are looking into the appeal process available for us to push for a banking hub in Leatherhead too. Please be assured that I will share further updates as and when they become available.

“What I can say for certain is that I believe LINK’s decision today is a victory for our district and I would like to extend my very sincerest thanks to everyone who sent messages to LINK during the assessment period to tell them of their support for a banking hub to be introduced in one or both town centre locations. I would also like to thank all MVDCs officers and Councillors involved in lobbying for banking hubs in the district, for their commitment, dedication and persistence. We remain committed to delivering a banking hub in Leatherhead too and will continue our dialogue with LINK.

“We have been pushing for banking hubs to replace closed bank branches in the district since July 2022 as we know how vital access to banking services is for our residents and businesses. Successfully securing a banking hub for Dorking (and hopefully Leatherhead) will provide a much-needed solution for our community, ensuring access to essential financial services can continue.”