Regulars to Haslemere may have noticed a very exciting sign – the banking hub cash machine is now open!

The lack of a bank or cash machine in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's back-pocket has been called a disgrace by some residents but the Herald can report that the new hub will be opening officially on December 15 but the cash machine and hub services are live now.

Haslemere Town Council said: "The hub is the first in the country to also have an ATM - something the Town Council has fought hard to ensure."

The hub will be operated by the Post Office, where customers of all major banks and building societies can carry out regular cash transactions. It will also offer a community banker service, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.