Move to axe Craven Arms' last bank is 'appalling', says Philip Dunne MP
An MP has criticised the decision to close the last bank remaining in a town, describing the move as “appalling”.
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said he would now seek to have an urgent meeting with the regional director of Barclays to make a case for turning around the decision to close its branch in Craven Arms.
And he pledged to work with local representatives to put forward the case for keeping the branch open.
Barclays is to withdraw from Craven Arms on October 6, businesses and residents have been told, leaving the town without a bank.
Mr Dunne said he would help co-ordinate a strong response to the decision.
“I am appalled by this decision by Barclays to remove their branch from Craven Arms, when it is the last bank branch in town,” he said.
“This service is very important to both those banking personally or for businesses.
“I am seeking an on-site meeting with the Regional Director as soon as possible, to make clear why the branch should remain in Craven Arms.
I will be working with local Shropshire Councillors David Evans and Lee Chapman, as well as Craven Arms Town Council, to coordinate a strong response.”
Adrian Davies, Barclays community banking director for the area said the decision was a response to the changing ways in which people interact with their bank.
He said: “We hope that the availability of our other Barclays branch at Church Stretton and access to services at the local Post Office located at 1 Coverdale Road, Craven Arms along with our range of digital channels will help to ease the transition for our customers.”
David Evans, Shropshire councillor for Craven Arms and Church Stretton, and owner of business Cyril Bason Poultry, last week described the move a “bombshell” that could turn Craven Arms into a “ghost town”.
He said: “If it was open people would use it. I’ve been there when people are queuing before 10am. I’ve seen people on a Saturday queuing to use that cash point. I’ve seen people come in on Wednesday and try the door.
“But since they closed on a Wednesday town has been dead.”
Craven Arms has lost branches of Lloyds and HSBC in recent years, while other small towns across Shropshire and Mid Wales have also lost banks in recent years.
