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by Lib Dem team on 5 June, 2015
Cllr Keith Holloway, who’s campaign against the closure of Gatley’s last bank has attracted over 850 signatures in just a couple of weeks, has written to Barclays asking to meet and discuss alternatives to the closure of branch and cash machine currently being proposed.
You can sign Keith’s petition against Barclays closing here.
Jason Clarke
Community Leader, Manchester Area
Barclays
Leicester
LE87 2BB
Dear Jason Clarke
Proposed Closure of Barclays Bank, Gatley, Cheadle, Stockport
We write to raise our concern at Barclays’ proposed closure of your Gatley branch. Gatley is a well-established local centre on the west of Stockport borough, with in excess of 9000 residents within the locality and a wide range of local shops and other businesses. Over the past few years other banks have closed – leaving Barclays as the last bank in the village.
Many residents were shocked and surprised to receive a letter from Barclays announcing that from 21st August 2015 this bank as well will close. Many residents have contacted us to ask how they can continue to access a local bank – the nearest banks are well over a mile away, requiring the crossing of a very busy road junction – and we can give them no answer.
The bank’s letter comments on the availability of internet banking but many of our more elderly residents do not have access to the internet or if they do are very reluctant to use it for any financial activity. Many of our local businesses are concerned as to how to deal with cash takings at the end of the day – will they have to pay for a security company to collect it? The cash point outside the bank is very well used: should the bank close then the cash point will also go, necessitating a long walk to the next cash point at the other end of the shopping centre.
Faced with these concerns we set up a petition to “Save Barclays Bank in Gatley” and have been astounded at the level of response – over 500 signatures in just a couple of weeks, all of local residents, with more people signing up every day. We’re still collecting signatures and I will forward on the petition shortly.
For all the above reasons, we would ask Barclays to think again about the proposed closure. We understand the need for banks – and all businesses – to control costs, but find it difficult to understand how closing the last bank in a busy local community can be a good business model.
My council colleagues and I would like to meet with your local decision-makers to explore alternative options to a complete closure. I would be grateful if you could ask for this meeting to be set up as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Keith Holloway
9 Comments
I’m not a Barclay’s customer so dont really care whether it stays or goes. I use their ATM – effectively a free service for non-customers like me – about as often as I use the one at the Co-op so am not fussed if I had to use the Co-op all the time.
I’m not bothered either, and my Mother is 92 (and a Barclays customer) and is quite happy to use the Post Office to conduct her banking. 900 signatures is just 10% of the residents.
I agree with john – footfall in branches is gradually becoming less and less and most people who use this ATM are not Barclays customers.
This is a business decision by Barclays who obviously are making a loss on this particular branch.
Unless the council are prepared to subsidise it?
Hi Bruce, I agree with you, and it is a business decision for Barclays.
However I don’t think the Council should use our money to subsidise it – remember the Council does not have any money of its own, only other peoples.
Perhaps all the people who signed the petition should subsidise it
Taxpayers have spent more than enough money subsidising the banks over the last few years – the shocking part is how little the banks feel they owe us in return!
Iain, I don’t follow. Barclays were not given any bailout and I suspect they have paid many millions in tax…..and employed many thousands of people who themselves pay tax…..and employ many contractors who themselves pay tax.
Well said, Halifax !
If it’s underused & not viable a petition is meaningless.
I don’t think I need to even question what will replace it……..we’re fast becoming competition for Rusholme’s curry mile!
Jane, unfortunately I agree with your prediction.