MP writes to Prime Minister about bank branch closure
● AN MP has raised the issue of a closure-threatened Frodsham branch of Barclays with the Prime Minister as residents face the prospect of crossing the bridge to do their banking in Widnes.
Mike Amesbury, Weaver Vale, Labour, wrote to Theresa May after her claim in the Commons that shutting banks was a ‘commercial decision’ and not for the Government to be involved.
As well as contacting Theresa May, Mr Amesbury has also launched a petition on his website and collected signatures in Frodsham, accruing nearly 200 backers at time of writing.
Barclays recently announced plans to axe its branch on Main Street, Frodsham.
The closure would come hot on the heels of two other banks shutting their doors in the town, with the firm suggesting customers should instead travel to Stockton Heath or Widnes.
Mr Amesbury has argued that heading to Widnes would incur a toll charge on the Mersey Gateway crossing, and using public transport to either site would require a round-trip of at least two hours including bus or train changes.
He had previously written to the head of Barclays and Business Secretary Greg Clark.
The Weaver Vale MP said: “These are important institutions that communities, businesses and many elderly people depend on, to simply disregard this need as a ‘commercial matter’ will offer no reassurance to my constituents.
“I’d encourage anyone who wants to help fight this closure to sign the petition at www.mikeamesbury. org.”