EXHIBIT 23(B)

                        [FERGUSON & COMPANY LETTERHEAD]

                                  MAY 8,1998

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANSON SAVINGS BANK, SSB
211 SOUTH GREENE STREET
WADESBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 28170

DIRECTORS:

     We hereby consent to the use of our firm's name in the applications for 
conversion of Anson Savings Bank, SSB, Wadesboro, North Carolina, and any 
amendments thereto, filed with the Division of Savings Institutions, North 
Carolina Department of Commerce (the "Division"), and the FDIC, in the Form SB-2
Registration Statement and any amendments thereto, and in the Acquisition
Application and the Holding Company Application for Anson Bancorp, Inc. as filed
with the Division and the Federal Reserve Board, respectively. We also hereby
consent to the inclusion of, a summary of, and references to our Appraisal
Report and our opinion concerning subscription rights in such filings including
the Prospectus of Anson Bancorp, Inc. and the Proxy Statement of Anson Saving
bank, SSB.

                                   
                                     Sincerely,

                                     /s/ Robin L. Fussell

                                     Robin L. Fussell 
                                     Principal