Fight is on to save the Bishop's Castle branch of Barclays (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Fight is on to save the Bishop's Castle branch of Barclays

9:50am Tuesday 3rd April 2012 in Bishop's Castle

CHARLOTTE Barnes who represents Bishop’s Castle on Shropshire Council is organising a protest against the decision of Barclays Bank to close its branch in the town.

The Liberal Democrat councillor has condemned the announcement by the bank.

"Many residents are upset about this unforeseen event especially those that transferred their banking needs from Nationwide to Barclays,” said Charlotte Barnes. “If it goes ahead, will be another sad loss to the town.

“In a very rural area like ours it takes a lot of time and energy to either change bank accounts or travel to the nearest branch. "For this reason I will be launching a petition to put pressure on Barclays to review their decision. So I urge local residents to look out for forms and sign the petition to try and save an essential piece of our high street.”

Signatures will be collected by protesters on the High Street in the town over coming weeks.

And local MP Philip Dunne is backing campaigners. He has written to the Chief Executive of Barclays Bank in protest at the plans to close the branch at the end of June. “Local businesses will be particularly concerned about maintaining night safe deposit facilities, and cash dispensing ATMs for members of the public. “Barclays’ nearest branch is eight miles away at Craven Arms, but even this is not open every weekday.

“Craven Arms has just lost its HSBC branch, so this further reduction in banking services is another blow to residents in rural south