A Suffolk MP is calling for a rethink over a decision not to grant a Suffolk town a banking hub.
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, MP for Suffolk Coastal, has called for cash machine provider LINK to provide a hub in Felixstowe after banking giant Santander announced that it would be closing the town's last bank branch at 3pm on July 16.
She said: “LINK need to rethink their decision. Felixstowe is an important town, an economic hub for the region and home to thousands of residents who depend on face-to-face banking.
Banking hub application for Suffolk market town refused
“When the last bank in town closes next year, elderly people, disabled residents, and small business owners will be left high and dry without options.
"That’s not just inconvenient—it’s unacceptable and exclusionary."
On Thursday, LINK's financial inclusion programme Cash Access UK announced that a hub had been set up in Leiston after the town's last bank Barclays announced that its branch would be closing on Friday (May 2).
He added: "People still want a branch because if something goes wrong online they want to see somebody who can help them sort it out rather than sitting on the phone for ages and then getting through to somebody who can't help you," Mr Rowe said.
Felixstowe mayor would like banking hub to replace Santander
"I think it is very disappointing that Santander has chosen to close along with all the other banks."
He hoped that the banks would join forces to create a hub.
A LINK spokesperson said: “We have received an appeal from the local MP about our decision in Felixstowe and will consider the points raised in it.
"We are determined to secure the right cash access services for local communities.”
The town's Halifax branch is also set to close in June, while in September, Felixstowe's TSB bank closed.
Share