Berwick’s MP, David Smith, has asked to meet Santander managers to challenge the proposal to close the bank’s Berwick branch in April this year.
‘I have asked for an urgent meeting with Santander to challenge this decision and to press for proper provision for our area,’ said Mr Smith in a statement on Facebook. ‘Our communities deserve better than this slow erosion of essential local banking. I am incredibly disappointed by Santander’s decision to close the Berwick branch in April.’
Business leaders in Berwick are also dismayed by the news and called for banks to register the harm to communities by such decisions.
‘It is always disappointing when any business decides to close in Berwick,’ Stephen Scott, Chairman of Berwick’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce told The Bridge.
‘Everyone will be aware that bank branch closures nationwide have been happening for several years as more of us move to use on-line banking, there are fewer of us using the branch network.
‘However, banks needs to acknowledge that not everyone can or wishes to move to on-line banking, and also most businesses need a bank branch to deposit cash.’
David Smith expressed further regret over the decision: ‘Banking facilities in Berwick have been stripped back year after year, and while this pattern is sadly familiar across the country, it hits our area especially hard.
‘Berwick isn’t just a town serving its own residents – it is the main hub for many of the rural communities in the north of the county. These communities rely on access to in person banking, and they will now lose yet another essential service.
‘Santander’s suggestion that customers can visit their nearest branches at Morpeth or Galashiels is frankly unrealistic,’ said Mr Smith. ‘They are nowhere near for people living in the north of the county, many of whom are older and already worried about being cut off from vital services.’
Stephen Scott added: ‘Berwick has recently lost our Barclays branch and before that our TSB branch.
‘When branch closures are announced, then banks should be obligated to provide alternative services for those that need a local branch.
‘It is good to hear that David Smith MP will be challenging the decision and I wish him success. If not let’s hope he can insist that suitable alternative services are put in place.’
Residents were quick to take to Facebook and comment on the matter: ‘Good to hear our MP is challenging Santander, ‘ wrote Jennifer McLean. ‘If the cash machine goes there is no choice but to walk down to BOS sometimes in terrible weather. Many cannot manage hide hill at the best of times never mind in winter. Maybe that’s something he can try and salvage if all else fails.’