A plan for a much-anticipated new banking hub for a town that was left without any banks at all has been lodged. The proposal will see the former PR Gibbs and Co office on Market Street, Westhoughton , turned into a hub for all kinds of banking services. This comes after the town was left with no banks and only two post offices after Lloyds Bank closed its branch on Market Street in 2022.

Cllr David Wilkinson, who represents Westhoughton South, said: “It’s a change of use so most likely will be dealt with by council officers, I’d be very surprised if it came to committee.” He added: “Obviously people would be very happy to see a banking hub, the lady who was heavily involved in bringing it to the town, Lesley Monks, would be happy to see it. The plans have been submitted to Bolton Council (Image: Ridge and Partners LLP) “Many residents will be happy to see some sort of banking services to be available, I can’t really see any reason for it to go to committee or for people to object.

” The plans will also include changes to the back of the building and installing a new heat pump. A previous bid had been lodged to turn the former office into a bar , like the many others that have sprung up in the centre of Westhoughton in recent years, but did not go ahead. Cllr Wilkinson said: “So we didn’t get a bar, but we had space available for this facility.

“Because one thing we have in Westhoughton, is when we’ve got an empty space someone comes along quick.” He .