Your Local Independent 188

December 2024 Page 9 AD SALES 01204 478812 Feel the benefit of solar power, save money on your energy bills, and help tackle climate change. Scan to see if you qualify for free or discounted home upgrades. BIRCHALLS 57, Market Street Hindley - Wigan - WN2 3AE Tel - 01942 255177 55cm Wide 50/50 Split No Frost A+ Energy Rating Reversible Door LED Light IBNF 55181 W IBD 5517 B 55cm Wide Free Local Delivery Free Local Delivery , Tel - 01942 255177 IZD81W 8Kg Condenser Tumble Dryer NSWF743 7Kg 1400rpm Washing Machine Steam Hygene 30 min Rapid Banking hub takes shape NEWS IN BRIEF WORK to bring a long awaited banking hub to Westhoughton is mov- ing ahead with signs and branding now in place advertising its home and services. The former P R Gibbs offices on Market Street is being converted into the hub, which gives people access to bank- ing services. Westhoughton lost its last bank, a branch of Lloyds on Market Street, back in 2022. Horwich’s new banking hub – described as a lifeline for the local community – was officially opened by BoltonWest MP Phil Brickell earlier this year. The nation’s banks have agreed to set up 350 similar hubs over the next five years to provide face-to-face high street services in the wake of mass closures of local branches. The government’s city minis- ter Tulip Siddiq has described the hubs as a “lifeline for local communities”. They are seen as playing an important role in efforts to breathe new life into Britain’s high streets. The hub is a shared banking space and is being created to provide people with basic bank- ing and cash services. Opening the Horwich hub, Mr Brickell said: “The Bank- ing Hub is a fantastic com- munity asset for local people and businesses which allows over-the-counter postal services as well as in-person banking, with one of the high street banks on-site Monday-Friday.” Bank job: Work on the hub is moving ahead quickly (Photo credit: My Westhoughton) BLACKROD Sports and Community Centre’s Christmas party on November 30 has been cancelled with organisers now looking to hold a get-together in the new year. THE Ramp in Horwich has won the ‘best community venue’ category in this year’s Best Bar None awards. POLICE raided an address in Hulton and seized more than 65 cannabis plants along with equipment for a cannabis farm. THE Greater Manchester Police Choir performed a concert at St Joseph’s RC High School in Horwich to raise cash for the St Mary’s Church building appeal.