Campaigners Fight NatWest and Halifax Closures in Leek

Sue Evans began the group after closure announcements. Two Leek banks will close soon. NatWest and Halifax branches on Derby Street will shut. They will close in June, very close in time.

Sue said closures hurt the community, not just banking. She mentioned the local economy suffers too. Banks help protect people and their finances. Banks also assist with money issues and scams. Sue stated the elderly population is growing. Scams are increasing as well, she noted.

Banks should help with these issues. Instead, banks are closing their doors. Sue organized a meeting for February 12 at 8:30 PM. The meeting took place at the Roebuck pub in Leek. They wanted petitions and media coverage.

She wants banks to discuss the closures. She contacted radio stations, council, and the MP. Sue thinks bank closures hurt the community and economy. She believes the effects will be negative. Other towns saw damage after bank closures. She mentioned Cheadle and Ashbourne as examples. This could affect Leek’s local markets.

Banking is harder for Sue and her family now. Her mother lacks a phone, computer, or wi-fi. She cannot use banking apps and online tools. Some people cannot afford these devices. Sue feels this is ageist and discriminatory. It impacts those financially vulnerable or disabled.

Accessibility is now a problem because of closures. The closest branches are now far away. They’re in Hanley and Macclesfield. Some people must take long bus rides. Sue thinks this is unacceptable for banking. Sue feels positive despite the challenge.

She believes Leek has a strong community. People can make a difference by working together. She wants the community to get involved. It affects people of all ages. Everyone she spoke with agreed with her viewpoint. They feel disgusted by the bank closures.

People worry about transferring money safely. They also want help if they get scammed. People prefer in-person help with money.