2,000-strong petition fails to save bank
NATWEST bank has confirmed it will close its Poynton branch despite local demand to keep it open.
The bank announced its plans in April, claiming there was a decline in the number of people using the branch on London Road.
The community launched a petition with more than 2,000 people signing it.
There was also a crunch meeting with bank chiefs, Macclesfield MP David Rutley and campaigners including Poynton Town Council and businessman Keith Lambert from Mates DIY.
Despite appeals on the grounds that elderly customers would suffer, the bank has confirmed it will close on July 26.
Instead customers will have to use the five other NatWest branches within five miles of Poynton.
The bank has also brokered a deal with the post office on Chester Road to allow its customers to pay money in, take money out and check balances, while business customers can get coinage.
Coun Geoff King said: “We met to urge them not to close their Poynton branch. We believe that this will cause serious problems for the many local people and businesses who bank there.
“Travel to the NatWest branches at Hazel Grove, Bramhall and Macclesfield involve journeys of several miles along heavily congested roads.
“Poynton has many older people who do not use online banking, and shops need to deposit cash and cheques each evening.
“Despite a petition we regret that the bank has ignored the strength of local opinion and refused to reconsider their decision. They have agreed to explore ideas put forward in an attempt to mitigate some of the effects of the closure and we are awaiting their proposals.”