Local Lib Dem councillors Richard Hands Tony Dawson were out in Birkdale Village over the weekend, speaking to customers of the soon-to-close Santander bank Birkdale branch.
The councillors are collecting signatures on a petition calling on Santander to reconsider their closure decision. The closure would mean that customers would be forced to travel to either Chapel Street or Crossens.
Councillor Richard Hands said:
“This is a really disappointing decision from Santander. It is going to affect the appearance of the village and will also harm local businesses as the banks in Birkdale Village draw people in.”
West Birkdale councillor Tony Dawson is also concerned about the inconvenience that would be caused to customers, especially the elderly, many of whom do not have access to internet or telephone banking and do not want to use those services anyway. He says:
“This is a very convenient branch and people will often travel into the village to go to the bank and then do some shopping.”
Cllr. Hands went on to say:
“I don’t really understand how Santander can say that they are investing in their branches, when they closing this one. They haven’t given a proper reason, and that is very disappointing.”
The petition will be presented to Santander alongside a letter asking them to consider the impact of the decision on residents, customers and the sustainability of the Village. The councillors are also seeking assurances that the jobs of current staff will be guaranteed.
You can sign the petition now at: https://www.change.org/p/santander-a…edium=copylink
As things stand, Santander intend to close down their Birkdale branch at 16:00 on Thursday 19th November.
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