A campaign to restore banking services to north Shropshire towns has been stepped up.
North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan is calling for the introduction of Banking Hubs in Ellesmere and Wem after the loss of high street banks across her constituency.
Nearly 73 per cent of bank branches in North Shropshire have closed since 2015, leaving Oswestry as the only town in the constituency with surviving banks.
In Wem, where the last branch closed in 2018, residents and businesses now rely on a single Post Office and a handful of cash machines.
These are under heavy demand and frequently run out of cash, she said.
Ms Morgan has asked for a review of the decision to reject a Banking Hub in Wem and is also campaigning for one to be introduced in Ellesmere.
She believes current provisions do not meet the needs of either the community or the business sector.
Ms Morgan said: "Access to proper banking services is essential to keep our communities and high streets alive, so the Government’s review is welcome.
"Residents using the Post Office currently face long queues and limited services, while businesses are being forced to travel miles to carry out banking tasks."
Banking Hubs are shared facilities that allow banks to serve customers in person on a rota basis, offering services beyond those available at Post Offices.
Ms Morgan said that while Post Offices provide basic services like cash deposits and withdrawals, they cannot replace the broader support offered by full banking branches.
The Government is currently reviewing in-person banking services and has indicated that it may take steps to "protect access to face-to-face banking where needed," depending on the outcome.
The MP has written to businesses in Wem and Ellesmere, highlighting the additional costs, lost productivity, and disruption caused by 30 to 50-mile round trips to access banking services.
Some have warned that the lack of proper services is ultimately restricting investment and growth.
Withdrawals in North Shropshire remain 42 per cent above the national average, adding to the strain on already overstretched Post Office facilities.
Ms Morgan said that Banking Hubs would relieve this pressure and offer critical support for more complex transactions.
She is urging residents and businesses in Ellesmere, Wem, and surrounding areas to support her campaign.
Ms Morgan said: "I would encourage everyone to support this campaign and sign my petition so we can bring banking services back to our high streets."
The petition can be found at www.helenmorgan.org.uk/banking-hubs.
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