There seems little chance of saving the branch of Barclays in Haxby but managers have made some promises to residents.
Haxby and Wigginton Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Hollyer held a meeting with representatives of the bank today to request a rethink of proposals.
The meeting follows a petition calling for the plans to be abandoned being signed by over 600 local residents.
During the meeting, Cllr Hollyer raised the high use of the branch, as demonstrated by the long queues that often form outside and the hundreds of local residents who have signed the petition against the closure.
Also discussed during the call was the difficulty of access to alternatives such as central York or Easingwold or indeed Haxby Post Office, which some residents with physical impairments struggle to use due to the heavy door.
Should the bank move ahead with closure, Cllr Hollyer has requested that they ensure regular sessions are held locally in the community so that everything that people can do now they can continue to do in person with assistance from trained staff in Haxby – which the bank has committed to.
‘Somewhat reassuring’
Cllr Hollyer said: “It was somewhat reassuring to hear that Barclays don’t want to leave Haxby and Wigginton completely and that they want to make the transition as smooth as possible for vulnerable customers.
“It was good to hear that they are now actively following up our suggestions for a local venue to host sessions at least twice a week, supplemented, until up and running, by their mobile bank van.
“However, I remain concerned about the pressure that the closure of the branch will place on the capacity of local alternatives such as the Post Office, which is often very busy and not as easily accessible for some as the bank.
“This would certainly have an impact on residents, businesses and local community groups in accessing these services, for which there is a significant demand locally.”
The link to the petition is here www.yorklibdems.org.uk/haxbybank“
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