Return to High Street banking in Grantown... kind of
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High Street banking has returned to Grantown today after a fleeting absence – although not in its usual format.
The TSB has moved 'across the street' from its vacated ex-premises with a 'pop-up' service in the town's YMCA community centre.
The wide-ranging initiative will see 43 new pop-ups in UK communities to support customers with their banking needs such as making payments, getting help with products and assistance with bereavements.
Grantown is among the first 18 being launched this month with others to follow between now and the summer.
Grantown YMCA spokeswoman Claire Thom said: "It's wonderful news and we hope other banks will follow TSB's lead. We do have the facilities here in our beautifully refurbished premises to allow more businesses to operate their own pop-up services."
A TSB spokesperson said: "Following branch closures announced last year, TSB has engaged with communities, customers, staff and politicians to ensure its face-to-face banking services are suited to the evolving habits of customers and the needs of communities.
"The 43 pop-ups are spread across the country with 19 in Scotland overall. The majority are based in locations where it takes TSB customers longer than 20 minutes to travel to their nearest TSB branch.
"TSB has introduced 100 mobile adviser roles to deliver this new face-to face service, which will offer customers end-to-end access to products and services outside of a branch."
In addition, TSB is also finalising a small pilot to explore new ways for customers to access cash.
This pilot, due to get under way next month, will allow customers to use a digital platform to deposit cash in some local shops or supermarkets.
Carol Anderson, TSB director of branch banking, said: “Although we’ve seen a significant rise in customers using digital banking, we know accessing banking services and cash remains important to many customers and we’re always looking for innovative and inclusive ways to help them.
“The pop-ups and future access to cash pilot will test demand for these types of services, giving us insight on what more we can do for customers in the future.”
A trial run was operated at Grantown last week and hailed a big success. TSB staff member Will Morrison was introduced to his new 'office' by YM volunteers.
The TSB will be open every Thursday from 9am until 4.30pm but no cash transactions will be handled for now.
The former TSB branch went from a weekday operation just a few years ago to a single day opening and then its permanent closure was confirmed during the Covid pandemic.
