Second Banking HUB request in Ashford made by Ashford Residents Assocation - email reply from LINK

Thank you for your email regarding the assessment LINK carried out in Ashford – Middlesex.

We have looked in detail at your review request, but we can't move this forward because you have not provided any new information that we didn't know about and consider in our original cash access assessment that could change the result, and you have not pointed out any mistakes in our original cash access assessment and decision, that could change the result.

I recognise this will be a disappointing outcome, so I have provided some additional detail below in relation to our assessment process and the points you have raised in your request for reconsideration.

First, it’s worth clarifying that LINK’s remit as co-ordination body, as defined by the FCA, is access to cash, rather than access to banking. LINK’s work and the supporting legislation only considers access to cash, and so our assessment process and criteria focus on the cash needs of a community.

It’s also worth clarifying that LINK plays no role in a bank’s decision to close a branch or remove ATMs. Our responsibility is limited to conducting independent assessments, on behalf of the banks, to identify any potential gaps in cash access once we are formally notified of a cash access facility closure.

I note your concerns regarding the elderly demographic in Ashford. Our data indicates there are age vulnerabilities, and this was considered as part of our assessment.

Ashford was assessed as an urban location, meaning that all remaining cash access facilities within a one‑mile radius were considered.

Under our assessment criteria, we consider the distance to the nearest full‑service bank using the ‘as‑the‑crow‑flies’ method, as well as the time and cost of a single journey to reach this location by public transport. The nearest full‑service bank is the Barclays branch on Staines High Street. This is 1.9 miles away in a straight line and can be reached in approximately 11 minutes on the 117 bus, at a cost of £1.75. Also located here are branches of Halifax, Santander, and Nationwide. Both the travel time and fare fall within our thresholds for a single public transport journey. We would not normally recommend a Banking Hub in a location where a full-service bank is accessible in under the 15 minutes for an urban location.

The Post Office provides basic cash services to both business and personal customers. Our data shows that there are two full-time Post Office’s within the one‑mile radius. The branch at 72 Church Street is open six days a week: Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm, and Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The branch at 138 Stanwell Road is also open six days a week, operating Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Both locations are step‑free, providing easy access for wheelchair users.

Our data also shows that there are at least nine free‑to‑use ATMs within the one‑mile radius, three of which are external and offer 24‑hour access.

We operate a set of access to cash rules which we publish details of. They are designed to meet the standards set by the FCA in their 2024 regulations. Those regulations are designed to protect access to cash, and do not extend to access to more complex banking services.

We know how important it is for people to be able to deposit and withdrawal cash. We want to make sure everybody can access and manage their money easily and you can use our LINK / Cash Locator tool to find out more about the cash access services near to you.

If you remain dissatisfied with the outcome, you may submit a complaint to our complaints team, you can access our page here: LINK / Make a complaint about an access to cash decision

Kind Regards

LINK Scheme Ltd

You have been sent this email by the LINK Group.

Spelthorne Borough Council Balanced budget agreed

Spelthorne Beat Surrey Police Live Facial Recognition (LFR)

At the Full Council meeting held on Thursday 26 February, councillors approved Spelthorne Borough Council’s budget for 2026/27.

Like many local authorities, Spelthorne is under considerable financial strain. These challenges frame the setting of this budget before the Council is dissolved on 1 April 2027, when its responsibilities transfer to the new West Surrey unitary authority, which will take over services currently delivered by the borough, district and county councils.

Link to full details

Spelthorne Beat Surrey Police Live Facial Recognition (LFR)

Our Live Facial Recognition (LFR) van was deployed in Ashford yesterday to identify and deal with outstanding offenders for retail crime, anti-social behaviour and drug offences.

During the deployment, two people were arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and over 40 people were positively engaged with by the team.

The van's presence also works as an effective crime prevention tool and we have had feedback from local shops and communities, that they feel more at ease knowing it is there.

We know that some people have privacy concerns about the technology but if your face is not on the watch list, your face will be blurred before it even goes onto the camera feed and is then deleted immediately and permanently.

Link to full details

Residents Meeting Saturday 24th January 2026

Spelthorne Beat Surrey Police Live Facial Recognition (LFR)

Residents Meeting Saturday 24th January 2026

Ashford Baptist Church, Church Road, Ashford TW15 2TT

(Behind Tesco Express/Subway/KFC in the Hight Street)

Agenda will be dedicated to the Surrey Police Team, NHW and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Our Members Peoples Poll will be coming soon and re opened for pre meeting questions and concerns that YOU want to be covered.

Link to Peoples Poll - CLOSED

ASHFORD HIGH STREET REPORT ILLEGAL PARKING

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

Residents Meeting Saturday 24th January 2026

Report all illegal parking in Ashford to the SCC Parking Enforcement Team

on 0330 175 5930 (only 9am-5pm)

or email below below link.

If you can, take a photo.

Email Here

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

If we don’t report everything we see, the police can’t target the areas that need the most attention.

No matter how minor you think it is REPORT IT! Non-urgent or non-immediate incidents - Call 101

Shoplifting
Anti-social behaviour
Suspicious activity
Drug use or dealing
Theft from doorsteps
Property damage
See it - Call it out

Or use the on line form in link below to report a non urgent crime.

POLICE On line form

HEALTHWATCH - Health and wellbeing for people aged 50-66.

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

The online survey takes about 20 minutes. There is a chance for people to be selected at random for a £20 Love2shop voucher. See poster on our events page for more detials.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HWSyhealthwellbeing25-26/

Link to Survey

Spelthorne Borough Council to produce new planning guidance on flooding

Spelthorne Borough Council is continuing to work closely with Surrey County Council, the Local Lead Flood Authority, and the Environment Agency to provide greater clarity on how flood risk from all sources, including groundwater, is considered in planning applications.

Full Details Here

SPELTHORNE BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS

Spelthorne Borough Council to produce new planning guidance on flooding

Terry Collier announced as new Interim Chief Executive at Spelthorne Borough Council

Full Details Here

Spelthorne Council Report a HMO Concern

HMOs in Spelthorne Presentation to Ashford and Staines Residents’ Associations

For any HMO questions or support, there is a online ‘Report it’ form on the Spelthorne Borough Council website, you can call 01784 446251 or email eh.residential@spelthorne.gov.uk

Link to Form

HMOs in Spelthorne Presentation to Ashford and Staines Residents’ Associations

Monday 03rd November

The purpose of this meeting is to provide an update to residents on the work that is currently ongoing, the legal parameters in which we must work and what the next steps and actions will be.

Slides can be found in the link below.

Link to presentation

Barclays Bank Gambling Committee Decision REFUSED

HMOs in Spelthorne Presentation to Ashford and Staines Residents’ Associations

Spelthorne Volunteer Drivers Needs Call Handlers and Drivers

To all our members, this is a huge win for our community, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nik Urquhart for his incredible hard work and determination.

The fight may not be over, but this battle has definitely been won!

Full details sent to our members via email.

Spelthorne Volunteer Drivers Needs Call Handlers and Drivers

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

Spelthorne Volunteer Drivers Needs Call Handlers and Drivers

Our registered charity helps the elderly or less able in Spelthorne, by driving them to their medical appointments.

If you would like to join or find out more, please call 07817 926736

(weekdays 10-12) or email spelthornevolunteerdrivers@gmail.com.

Website

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

If we don’t report everything we see, the police can’t target the areas that need the most attention.

No matter how minor you think it is REPORT IT! Non-urgent or non-immediate incidents - Call 101

Shoplifting
Anti-social behaviour
Suspicious activity
Drug use or dealing
Theft from doorsteps
Property damage
See it - Call it out

Or use the on line form in link below to report a non urgent crime.

POLICE On line form

Surrey Police Request an Update

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

If you want to ask Surrey Police for an update on something you've reported or on any incidents in Ashford you can do that using the 'Contact Us' service.

You can also make a request to speak to specific officer or member of staff.

Please note: They are not able to give updates on road traffic incident reports.

Request a Police Update

Your Neighbourhood Watch In the Know -Surrey

If we dont report EVERYTHING we see we will not get the focused resources from the Police.

Fantastic news for residents’ as borough policing team solves 85 per cent of all shoplifting reports.

A Surrey Police team is turning the tide on shoplifters – as officers solve 85 per cent of the retail crime cases they are tasked with investigating.

There has been a huge rise in reports of retail crime in Spelthorne after the borough’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, led by Inspector Matt Walton, urged the business community to report every incident.

Full details

If we dont report EVERYTHING we see we will not get the focused resources from the Police.

SEE IT

REPORT REPORT REPORT

Call 101 for non immediate / non urgent reporting of an incident.

If it's a crime in progress, life in danger always call 999.

Or use the on line form in link below to report a crime.

Your report will be sent direct to the control room.

Anonymous reporting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111

POLICE On line form

MAKE IT HAPPEN - Proposed changes to Ashford Town Center

If we dont report EVERYTHING we see we will not get the focused resources from the Police.

MAKE IT HAPPEN - Proposed changes to Ashford Town Center

Surrey County Council is proposing improvements to Church Rd in Ashford.

There are 3 in-person events where you can see the plans and speak to the team, or there's a website where you can view them.

https://ashfordtowncentre.commonplace.is

HAVE YOUR SAY

Make sure you fill in the survey questions to have your say.

Survey Link Here

Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Surrey

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

The Borough Councils of Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking, and Tandridge District Council proposed 3 unitary councils.

Have your say!

Consultation seeks view on the local government reorganisation proposals.

See attached on line response form or email your views to lgreorganisation@communities.gov.uk

This consultation closes at
5pm on 5 August 2025

More Info Here

If You See It - Report It! Every report counts towards more Police focus in ASHFORD

If we don’t report everything we see, the police can’t target the areas that need the most attention.

No matter how minor you think it is REPORT IT! Non-urgent or non-immediate incidents - Call 101

Shoplifting
Anti-social behaviour
Suspicious activity
Drug use or dealing
Theft from doorsteps
Property damage

See it - Call it out.

Or use the on line form in link below to report a non urgent crime.

POLICE On line form

PETITION TO STOP THE CONVERSION OF STANWELL HOTEL INTO A MALE-ONLY ASYLUM FACILITY

All residents urged to sign this petition to stand against this decision and protect the safety, wellbeing, and integrity of our neighbourhood.

Stanwell has already shouldered more than its fair share in supporting asylum accommodation. While our community has demonstrated compassion and tolerance, the decision to remove families and children from the hotel—some of whom were attending our local Town Farm School—and replace them with an exclusively male population is deeply troubling.

More Info Here

Council opposes change to asylum seeker plan for the Stanwell Hotel

PETITION TO STOP THE CONVERSION OF STANWELL HOTEL INTO A MALE-ONLY ASYLUM FACILITY

29 July 2025: Spelthorne Borough Council (SBC) has said it is "alarmed" by Home Office proposals to exclusively house male asylum seekers at a hotel in the area.

More Info Here

Spelthorne raises urgent concerns over Home Office plans for Stanwell Hotel

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) tackles antisocial behaviour across the borough

Spelthorne raises urgent concerns over Home Office plans for Stanwell Hotel

29 July 2025: Spelthorne Borough Council has formally expressed strong opposition to the Home Office's proposed changes to the use of the Stanwell Hotel, citing a lack of meaningful engagement and collaboration

Moer Info Here

ASHFORD HIGH STREET REPORT ILLEGAL PARKING

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) tackles antisocial behaviour across the borough

Spelthorne raises urgent concerns over Home Office plans for Stanwell Hotel

Report all illegal parking in Ashford to the SCC Parking Enforcement Team

on 0330 175 5930 (only 9am-5pm)

or email below below link.

If you can, take a photo.

EMAIL HERE

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) tackles antisocial behaviour across the borough

SEE IT - REPORT IT

Call 101 for non immediate / non urgent reporting of an incident.

If it's a crime in progress, life in danger always call 999.

If we dont report EVERYTHING we see we will not get the focused resources from the Police.

HMO - HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

HMO - HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION ARTICLE 4

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) tackles antisocial behaviour across the borough

A HMO is typically any property eg a house, bungalow, maisonette or flat, that is rented out to three or more people who form two or more households and share facilities like the kitchen or bathroom.

More Info Here

HMO - HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION ARTICLE 4

The planning committee resolved to make an Article 4 Direction covering all remaining wards in Spelthorne on 08th January 2025.

The Article 4 Direction if confirmed, will come into effect on

13th March 2026.

More Info Here

ASHFORD RESIDENTS TAKE ACTION NOW

HMO - HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION ARTICLE 4

Stop the Gambling Centre in Ashford – Protect Our Community!!

Say NO to the

Gambling Centre in Ashford!

Over 2,000 have signed already

Sign this petition

Spelthorne Borough Council honours Muggeridge's

Spelthorne Borough Council has today paid tribute to Muggeridge furniture store, a much-loved family-run business that has been at the heart of the community since 1918.

More Info Here

Spelthorne Partnership Assembly (SPA) meeting

Spelthorne Borough Council honours Muggeridge's

Attached the presentation from Inspector Walton.

The local government reorganisation information will follow.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION HERE

SPELTHORNE SUMMER BULLETIN

Spelthorne Borough Council honours Muggeridge's

SPELTHORNE SUMMER BULLETIN

CHECK OUT PAGE 17.

We also provide large print and cd versions of the magazine for blind and partially-sighted residents. For more information on how to obtain a copy please call the Communications Team on 01784 444260.

DOWNLOAD FULL MAGAZINE HERE

BANNED in SPELTHORNE

Spelthorne Borough Council Cracking down on Antisocial Behaviour

SPELTHORNE SUMMER BULLETIN

Antisocial use of bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, e-scooters, hoverboards, and similar devices

More Info Here

Spelthorne Borough Council Cracking down on Antisocial Behaviour

Help tackle antisocial behaviour across the borough.

Spelthorne Borough Council Public Space Protection Order

Spelthorne Borough Council Cracking down on Antisocial Behaviour

Spelthorne Borough Council has introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to help tackle antisocial behaviour across the borough.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Ashford Electric Car ChargePoint Parking Bays

Spelthorne Borough Council is calling on residents to take part in a once-in-a-generation consultation that could help reshape local government across Surrey.

Your voice matters - TAKE PART NOW

Ashford Electric Car ChargePoint Parking Bays

Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on the proposals to install electric vehicle chargepoints at

MeadWay & Norman Road Ashford.

We can now confirm that Surrey County Council, after reviewing all resident submissions, have made the decision to NOT proceed with the above installations.

Ashford Train Station

Ashford Electric Car ChargePoint Parking Bays

Local Government Reorganisation

Some parking spaces on Clarendon Road (“Station Approach”) appear legal but are privately owned by South West Rail and controlled by Azure Parking Ltd, with unclear signage.

Some residents have paid hefty fines—one lost £275 after missing the appeal deadline.

See our members email for full details.

Members email

Local Government Reorganisation

Spelthorne backs three unitary model for local government reorganisation

Local Government Reorganisation

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Joanne Sexton, talking about the Local Government Reorganisation

Watch Here

Commissioners to Spelthorne Borough Council

Spelthorne backs three unitary model for local government reorganisation

In a letter to the Chief Executive dated 8th May 2025, the Government has advised that it will appoint Commissioners to Spelthorne Borough Council.

Spelthorne backs three unitary model for local government reorganisation

Spelthorne Borough Council has voted to support a proposal for creating three new unitary authorities in Surrey, as part of a government-led reorganisation of local government.

BBC News Councils in united call for gambling regulation

Local government reorganisation

Gambling firms adopt hard tactics to flood towns with 24-hour slot machines. Companies deploy highly-paid lawyers and appear to mislead councillors – but local authorities are fighting back. “It’s that frustration people have of not being in control of their neighbourhood and their lives. People have no say of what’s happening on their own high streets,”.

BBC News Councils in united call for gambling regulation

Local government reorganisation

The Surrey districts and boroughs supporting a 3 unitary approach.

BBC News Councils in united call for gambling regulation

BBC News Ashford residents voice concerns over gambling center

Three Surrey councils have joined 40 from across the country to call for reform of gambling laws.

Find out more

BBC News Ashford residents voice concerns over gambling center

Ashford residents voice concerns over gambling center. Residents of Ashford have expressed anger over proposals for a round-the-clock adult gaming centre in their neighbourhood.

Find out more

Barclays Gaming Centre

BBC News Ashford residents voice concerns over gambling center

Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

Proposed gaming centre application - Response from Lincoln Jopp.

BBC News Ashford residents voice concerns over gambling center

Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy

The Council is required to have a strategy in place for how it works to prevent homelessness and rough sleeping in Spelthorne.