Rather than allow the last bank in town to sit empty and boarded up when it closes later this month, the Ventnor Town Council (VTC), has some interesting plans in place.
David Bartlett, the clerk for Ventnor Town Council (VTC), one of the most progressive on the Isle of Wight, has been in negotiations with HSBC for the town council to take over what, by the 20th November, will be the former bank.
Temporary drop-in point
HSBC are keen to sell the building, but given its prominent position in Ventnor, the town council are reluctant to see it boarded up until that happens.
Town councillors have this week agreed to go ahead with plans to take over the building on a temporary basis, using it as a drop-in info point for the town council and other agencies, giving them a High Street presence.
It’s not yet known which agencies will be based there, but full details will be confirmed once all agreements are in place.
David told OnTheWight that “HSBC are very willing” for the building to be used by the VTC, who will be paying just a percentage of the running costs of the building, £550pm.
Banking services
The VTC will not be taking over any banking services.
Once HSBC closes, personal bank customers can use the Post Office two doors up at Seasons to take out money as well as pay in cash and cheques.
The remaining cash points can be found outside Tesco, Spar and inside Co-op.
