Louie completely shares resident’s 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 which we have no control over.
Local businesses and residents place significant reliance on local banking services, particularly elderly and more vulnerable residents with concerns over the potential implications for safety and security without in-branch services for these customers. That is why Louie has contacted and met with many banks to raise his concerns over their treatment of vulnerable customers and access to cash facilities.
Following his meetings, we welcome that Barclays have agreed to a ‘Barclays Local’ weekly session in Sidcup and HSBC are also working towards community banking events which I continue to push for.
Louie is, however, 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.
Following, extensive lobbying, Louie has already secured commitments for 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 in the Autumn.
So please join the campaign to secure a banking hub in Sidcup here. Louie will present this petition to the banks, Link and in the House of Commons.
