Councillors are campaigning to save the last bank branch left in west York, after revealing that the closure plans came out of the blue.
YorkMix reported yesterday that the Halifax branch in Acomb was set to close in January.
The statement went on to say that a banking hub would be set up in the post office.
Halifax did not inform local ward councillors in advance of the closure.
Today Liberal Democrat councillor for Westfield ward, Andrew Waller, called on the bank to think again. He has launched a petition calling for the bank to stay open.
“The announcement from Halifax is a very unwelcome surprise for local residents and businesses and of course for the branch staff who provide a valuable service,” Cllr Waller said.
“This is the last bank branch left in west York, serving not just Acomb residents but those in the surrounding areas.
“Many residents cannot easily get into the city centre and back to do their banking and have no access to digital services – for these residents, having access to local banking services is essential.
“If the closure does go ahead, Acomb is fortunate to have a fantastic Post Office – Taylors of Acomb – and a branch of the Leeds Building Society.
“I will be in touch with them over the coming weeks to discuss how we can make sure that as many people as possible know about the services they offer.”
He described the banking hub idea as interesting, “but very little detail is provided and many questions remain unanswered”.
“For example, how will this Hub complement the services already provided by the Post Office and the Leeds Building Society? Will it be similar to other Banking Hubs such as the one in Knaresborough that was opened last year?”
Residents can sign the petition to save the Acomb branch of Halifax here.
