...but 16 miles away, not ONE major bank

THE bustling resort of Peacehaven lies 16 miles west of Eastbourne. It shares the same glorious sunny coastline and chalk South Down cliffs – but, as far as the banks are concerned, it might as well be a leper colony.

Not one of the major banks has a presence in the town – with Barclays, NatWest and Halifax having all axed branches in recent years.

Only building society Nationwide has kept open its branch.

Although a fifth the size of Eastbourne, the town has a thriving high street including grocery stores, a butcher and bakery, restaurants – and no less than eight estate agents. Sales negotiator Mike Pearson, from estate agent Cubitt & West, says: ‘A bank provides a good reason for people to come and visit the local shops.’

He adds: ‘When it closes, the knock-on effect is negative for everyone.’

Resident Sarah Marx, a child psychotherapist, says: ‘There is no rhyme or reason behind branch closures. Surely, the banks could have knocked their heads together and kept one branch open here in Peacehaven – even if it meant that one of the nine over in Eastbourne had to shut.

She adds: ‘All towns need to have a bank, and none more so than Peacehaven.’