The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Anger over bank closures
MP spearheads protest over loss of service to community
Bosses at Barclays have announced the closure of a second branch in Peterborough.
Thebankislooking to shut its outlet in Eastfield Road on January 8.
Theannouncementcomes just days after the bank revealed it wasplanningtoclose its branch in Lincoln Road on January 14.
A Barclays spokesperson said: “The decision to close a branch is never an easy one.
“However, customers are increasingly using alternatives to branches to do their banking. As a result, we are seeing a sustained fall i n branch visits across the UK.
“This is reflected at the Eastfield Road, Peterborough branch where there has been a 25 per cent reduction
in counter transactions in the two years to March 2020.
“In addition, 88 per cent of our customers at the branch are also using different ways to bank.
“We will work with our
customers and provide alternative options to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.”
Peterborough MP Paul Bristowsaid:“If theyclosethis and the Lincoln Road branch they will lose any right to say they care about their customers in Peterborough.”
A week earlier bosses of the TSB Bank announced their branch in Lincoln Road,
Millfield, was also to shut on January 14 next year as part of a nationwide cull of its high street outlets.
The Barclays announcement had already triggered a determined campaign by politicians and residents to persuade banking giants to change its mind.
Peterborough MP Paul Bristow said: “This is a bitter double blow for local people in Millfield.
“Our campaign will go on and now also focus on TSB.
“It makes me think that these high street banks see Millfield as an easy target, populated by people who won’t complain.
“Neighbourhoods with many who have English as an additional language and short-term renters.
“I am going to call this out for what it is.
“A betrayal of a community and a high street for short term financial gain.
Mr Bristow added: “I urge both banks to reconsider.
“Bank bosses should join meonawalkaboutonLincoln Road and see for themselves what their penny pinching is doing to a community.”