I completely share residents' concern and disappointment over the closure of many local banks, most recently the announcements that Natwest, Lloyds and Halifax will follow the closures of HSBC and Barclays on Sidcup High Street. This is frustratingly a national trend over which we have no control.
Local businesses and residents place significant reliance on local banking services, particularly elderly and more vulnerable residents, and I am also concerned over the potential implications for safety and security without in-branch services for these customers. That is why I have contacted and met with many banks to raise my concerns over their treatment of vulnerable customers and access to cash facilities. Following my meetings, I am pleased that Barclays have agreed to a ‘Barclays Local’ weekly session in Sidcup, and HSBC is also working towards community banking events, which I continue to push for.
However, I am campaigning for new local banking hubs to provide counter services by the major banks in one place and for more cash points on Welling High Street, which no longer has any banks.
We have already secured one of these new banking hubs in Welling, but it is clear that we also need one in Sidcup following recent announcements of further closures and because of ongoing issues with the Post Office. So please join the campaign to secure a banking hub in Sidcup below. This petition will be presented to the banks, Link, and the House of Commons. Thank you!
