Local MP Luke Hall, Councillor Rob Creer and residents reacted with disappointment to the news this week that NatWest Bank, the last remaining bank in the town, has taken the decision to close its doors in May 2018 but have taken action to secure a meeting to ensure that the High Street's last 24 hour cash point stays after the closure takes place.
NatWest have cited local and national factors such as the increasing number of people who choose to do their banking online or on the phone, as opposed to visiting a local branch as the main reason for the closure despite its well-known claimed policy of not leaving an area without front facing banking counter bank services. It is feared that the announcement will have a negative impact on older residents accessing services provided with the Bank.
Since learning of the closure MP Luke Hall and Councillor Rob Creer (Con, Chipping Sodbury) have sprung into action in seeking an meeting in January 2018 to discuss;
- The importance of maintaining the last remaining on street 24Hr cash point in the town.
- Urge the bank to reconsider its stance and consider residents views on the closure
- The support offered to staff members affected by closure
Local MP Luke Hall said;
“This news is very disappointing for the town especially when NatWest makes claims to never leave an area without over the counter services. Our High Street is highly and wonderfully independent trader focused with many depending on footfall and cash purchases so I will be pressing extremely hard for NatWest to guarantee the cashpoint for the town if they decide to go ahead with the closure.”
Cllr Rob Creer said “It is ridiculous that a thriving town with so many local shops, restaurants and pubs will be left with no banking services and no 24hr cashpoint”.
“This move will be extremely damaging to Chipping Sodbury’s economy, and will have a negative impact on residents and visitors to our town so I will be working alongside Luke to make the case to them”