Sir John Randall has welcomed an initiative to introduce much needed bank facilities to people in Ruislip Manor.

There had, until now, been no bank facility for people in the high street, but a current account has just been launched by the Post Office on a trial period.

The Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP was one of the first people to visit the branch and find out more about it.

He said: “I am delighted that Ruislip Manor Post Office is involved in this trial as there are no banks or building societies in the area.

“It will also benefit people in a much wider area as people can open the current account in Ruislip Manor then do their transactions at any Post Office or ATM.

“These new accounts make it much easier for people to do their banking without having to travel far which is particularly good news for the elderly and disabled.”

The post office in Victoria Road is part of a pilot study ahead of plans to launch the current account across the UK.

There are three accounts to choose from in partnership with Bank of Ireland UK - Standard, Packaged and Control, designed with different customer needs in mind.

Ruislip Manor Post Office operator Rathy Subramaniam, said: “This is an important step forward, especially for our customers and the local community as there had not been a bank or a building society in the area for more than five years.

“We already offer a number of financial services products and this new account will further meet our customers’ needs.”

Councillor Douglas Mills, cabinet member for commerce and regeneration, has been heavily involved in Hillingdon Council’s transformation of Ruislip Manor‘s high street.

He said: “We felt that a financial services facility was sorely needed in Ruislip Manor and we are delighted the community now has a bank.”

People can make an appointment to open an account during the main opening hours from Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5.30pm.