As part of Mole Valley District Council’s continued efforts to secure a banking hub for Leatherhead, LINK’s Community Assessment Manager visited the town on Monday 9 June. The visit included a walk through the town centre alongside Councillor Bridget Kendrick, Leader of MVDC, and Councillor Paula Keay, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, to provide LINK with direct insight into the needs of the local community.

The visit followed Mole Valley District Council’s (MVDC) appeal against LINK’s original decision, which concluded that Leatherhead did not meet the criteria for a banking hub. MVDC maintains that the assessment was based on inaccurate data, particularly underestimations of the town’s population and the number of cash-handling retailers - both key factors in LINK’s evaluation process.

Earlier this year, an automated deposit service was installed on North Street following a review by LINK. While this has improved access to deposit services, MVDC continues to advocate for a full banking hub in Leatherhead - a facility that would offer vital over-the-counter services for residents and businesses.

After LINK rejected MVDC’s formal appeal in March 2025, the issue was escalated to LINK’s Independent Assessor. To better understand MVDC’s concerns the Assessor recommended that LINK conduct an in-person visit to better understand the town’s circumstances. MVDC remains committed to ensuring that Leatherhead receives the banking services it needs to support its community and local economy.

Councillor Paula Keay said: “I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet with LINK’s Community Assessment Manager alongside the Leader. Seeing how well received the temporary banking hub has been in Dorking since its introduction earlier this year - ahead of a permanent home being sought in the town by Cash UK - makes our argument for an equivalent in Leatherhead even stronger in our minds.

“At this stage timescales around next steps in this process have not been confirmed or how long it will be before we hear from LINK following Monday’s meet. Once we have been made aware of these details we will make this known via our publicity channels. MVDC is unwavering in its support for a banking hub to be introduced in Leatherhead despite LINK’s views to the contrary up until this point. I hope to be in a position to bring more positive news in the weeks and months to come.”