Bucks MP fights back against bank closures
Greg Smith isn't impressed with TSB's plans for Winslow and Princes Risborough.
Winslow's MP has stepped in to try and save the town's last bank.
TSB announced last month they'd be leaving the town by next April - now Greg Smith has written to their Chief Exec.
The MP says Winslow and Risborough - which is also set to lose its branch - are growing towns and banks are needed.
Meanwhile, a petition has been set up to try and stop the Winslow closure.
So far, nearly 900 people have signed it.
What did Buckingham's MP have to say?
In his letter to TSB's Chief Exec, Greg Smith said:
"While I appreciate the need for the bank to ensure that it adjusts for changes in customer behaviour and to reposition its business model in the light of the times in which we live, I wanted to write to you to set out a few of my primary concerns on behalf of my constituents. Winslow and Princes Risborough are growing market towns in my constituency. "
Outlining the reasons why the Winslow branch should remain open, he explained:
"In Winslow, a new secondary school has recently opened and there are plans for further expansion of local infrastructure. Added to this growth, there is currently work underway to build the new East West Railway, connecting Oxford and Cambridge: Winslow is due to have a station for the section of the line which is due to open in 2024.
"It is expected that this will bring increased numbers to Winslow. The TSB branch is currently the only bank in Winslow.
"Currently Winslow has a small number of local shops and businesses, and needless to say, the local TSB branch is of great assistance to local businesses."
He also emphasised why the Princes Risborough branch should stay open:
"In Princes Risborough there are two other high street banks, but both have significantly reduced hours."
Greg added:
"A substantial proportion of the current population in both towns is elderly, and are not familiar with internet banking, and a number of local community groups, who also do not have access to internet banking, use the TSB branch: closure of the branch will cause significant difficulties in their access to banking services.
"The nearest TSB branches are Milton Keynes, or Aylesbury, but there is restricted public transport links between the towns, making it difficult for many people to travel to alternative branches.
"I have been informed by community groups about the excellent customer standards which the staff in Buckinghamshire local TSB branches have always shown, and the very good links they have built with local people and businesses. Closing the branches will have a detrimental impact on the local community and also on the corporate image of TSB.
"I trust you understand my concerns over the impact this proposed closure would have on my constituency, particularly as it works to recover from the socio-economic effects of Covid-19, and will take this opportunity to review your decision."