A Stoke-on-Trent town is set to benefit from a new banking hub due to open at the site of a former Shoe Zone shop.

The Longton Exchange has confirmed that it will become the home of the town's new Banking Hub, to be located at the former Shoe Zone unit.

The facility is expected to open around December 2026 bringing face-to-face banking and cash services to the centre of the town.

The Longton Exchange says the announcement follows "months of work behind the scenes" alongside Cash Access UK to secure the premises and progress the project.

Chris Ward, Centre Manager at Longton Exchange, said: "We are absolutely delighted that we can finally share this news with Longton, this has been months in the making, with a huge amount of work taking place behind the scenes, so it's fantastic to finally be able to tell people what we've been working on.

"The former Shoe Zone unit is going to have a completely new purpose, and we're really pleased that it will become somewhere that provides such an important service to the community.

"For us, Longton Exchange is about much more than shopping. We want to be part of the town and play our part in creating a centre that works for the people who live, work and spend time here."

Banking hubs are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.

The new Longton facility will provide residents and businesses with access to essential cash and banking services, including cash deposits and withdrawals, cheque deposits, balance enquiries and bill payments.

The Longton Exchange announced that work is now set to begin on a full fit-out of the former Shoe Zone unit ahead of its "anticipated opening around December 2026".

Dr Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, has welcomed the start of work on Longton's new banking hub.

The MP previously launched a petition calling for better access to banking services in response to concerns from residents and businesses over the announced closure of Lloyds on The Strand.

Dr Gardner said: "Hundreds of local people signed my petition because they wanted to see banking services kept in Longton. I took that message forward, and now we are seeing work on the new hub begin.

"This is a win for everyone who signed that petition and made their voice heard.

"I also want to recognise the work of Chris Ward and the Longton Exchange team. I've worked closely with Chris throughout this campaign, and he and his team have put a huge amount of effort into getting this over the line.

"Keeping banking and cash access in Longton matters. It matters to residents who need face-to-face services, and it matters to local businesses who want to keep customers and spending in the town.

"This is another boost for Longton's regeneration. We are bringing investment into the town, supporting our thriving businesses, independent retailers and our brilliant indoor market. The banking hub adds another reason for people to come into Longton and spend locally."

More information is expected to be announced about the designated days that banks will be in the Hub.