MP issues demands over shock bank axe

An MP is accusing bank bosses of deserting the community following the announcement Yorkshire Bank is to close its Layton branch.
Paul MaynardPaul Maynard
Paul Maynard

Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard is set to hold showdown talks with the high street chain after it was revealed the site is to shut on September 14.

Mr Maynard’s involvement is a step up in the campaign to secure a U-turn from the high street banking chain.

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Yorkshire Bank says customers’ business will be transferred to its Abingdon Street branch.

But Mr Maynard says that isn’t good enough, particularly for business customers who he claims will face additional costs as a result.

He said: “I was shocked when I visited a local trader who had contacted my office with this news.

“To leave this area without a bank, especially after so many traders opened new accounts after the RBS closed, is in my mind a disgrace.

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“Not only do traders rely on this bank to deposit takings, but many local residents conduct their business there to.

“While I do appreciate that many banking transactions are carried out on-line these days, you still need a physical presence to be able to deposit cash.

“ Although the bank says they have a branch in Blackpool town centre, it would mean traders shutting their shops to make the branch closing time.

“At the meeting I will be asking Yorkshire Bank’s boss to justify their decision, and if they do press ahead with this, that they consider all and every possible mitigation to maintain a service for local shopkeepers and residents alike.”

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Mr Maynard said asking traders to visit the Abingdon Street branch to carry out their business was tantamount to an additional ‘tax on business”.

He said: “They have to pay to go into town, take time away from their business and pay for parking.

“It’s an extra tax on them.”

Claire Jackson, of Jackson’s the Florist, is one of the business owners who will be hit.

She said: “I know there are a lot of traders who are worried about this.

“But it’s about the customers as well.

“Layton keeps itself to itself, people use the local shops.

“This will be impossible for us, a real headache trying to get to Abingdon Street every other day.

“Not only that but you’ll have another empty former bank to add to the rest.”