Contracts have now been signed for Ulverston's new banking hub to operate - as work appears to be well underway.

In April, contracts had been exchanged to open the second banking hub in Cumbria.

Local residents and businesses in Ulverston had raised concerns over the closure of high street banks in the town as its last branch, Lloyds, is due to close on July 16.

READ MORE: Ulverston's banking hub should be in place before Lloyds bank closes

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell had reassured people that the hub would be in place before the last branch closes.

Yesterday (May 20) workmen were spotted at the former Salmons News and Cards shop on New Market Street as the MP confirmed that the paperwork has now been signed.

MP Simon Fell said: "It’s brilliant to see the work beginning on the hub – I understand that contracts have now been signed for the site to operate and so we are not far off from having a Mon – Fri, 9-5 banking hub in Ulverston – a massive step forward for local residents and businesses.

"I’ve campaigned for a hub in Ulverston for years – it’s great to see it almost over the line."