Buckley to get North Wales’ first OneBanx cash kiosk

Wales’ largest building society, Principality, has announced plans to improve access to cash in Buckley, with the introduction of a OneBanx cash kiosk.

The installation, set for early spring 2025 in Buckley Library, will be the first of its kind in North Wales.

The move follows previous installations in Principality’s Cowbridge and Caerphilly branches and is part of the society’s commitment to maintaining financial services in communities affected by recent bank closures.

The kiosk will allow individuals and businesses to deposit and withdraw cash from their current accounts without needing a card, with funds available immediately and no transaction fees.

The service, which will be available in Welsh, is designed to support customers of all major UK banks and building societies.

Buckley lost its last bank in 2019, prompting local councillor Carolyn Preece to launch a petition calling for banking services to return.

The campaign, which gained over 100,000 signatures, attracted national attention. Support from local politician Jack Sargeant MS and Flintshire County Council has since led to the partnership with Principality and OneBanx.

Vicky Wales, Chief Customer Officer at Principality Building Society, said: “We’re pleased to announce the installation of the OneBanx terminal in Buckley Library, following the success of the two previous kiosks in our branches in Cowbridge and Caerphilly.

“Our Members have told us that access to cash plays a vital role in their lives. Retaining critical services on the high street instils confidence in our customers and the communities we proudly serve. In regions affected by recent bank closures, we understand that the OneBanx service, along with our branch presence, empowers local residents and businesses to manage their finances effectively and in an accessible way, contributing to communities and local economic growth.”

Jack Sargeant, Member of the Senedd for Alyn and Deeside, welcomed the news: “From the moment I approached Principality to ask them to locate a site in Buckley, I realised they shared my passion for bringing back banking to Buckley.

“This partnership means that once again businesses and residents in Buckley can access cash services and speak face to face with Principality staff where they live and do business. For me, it means I have delivered on the pledge I made to residents and that’s thanks to this partnership with Principality and Flintshire Council.”

Cllr Carolyn Preece reflected on the campaign’s success: “When I launched the petition a few years ago and sought help from my local MS Jack Sargeant, I never dreamt we would enter discussions with one of the UK’s most prominent building societies. But through our campaigning, Principality’s vision and Flintshire Council’s willingness to help, banking is returning to Buckley. I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work in making this happen.”

Flintshire County Council has also been involved in bringing the facility to the town.

Cllr Chris Dolphin, Cabinet Member for Economy, Environment and Climate, said: “Facilities such as this are vital to sustaining our town centres, and we would like to thank the Principality Building Society for their commitment to Buckley.”

Javed Anjum, CEO of OneBanx, said: “OneBanx bridges the gap between customers who depend on bank branches for cash transactions and the convenience of digital banking. As the pioneering provider of multi-bank cash transaction services in the UK since 2020, we have facilitated substantial cash volumes for thousands of UK consumers and businesses.”