THE planned closure of West Ealing branch of Barclays Bank in October will be a great loss to the community, says Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq.
Barclays says it made the decision after a 26 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the two years to last September.
Rupa Huq says the elderly and vulnerable rely on in-person banking.
“It’s hugely regrettable that the last bank standing in West Ealing will be gone by autumn,” she said.
“We lost Santander recently and that stretch is strewn with carcasses of banks that have pulled the plug.
“For the heart and soul of the community to be ripped out by the last bank standing deserting West Ealing is incredibly sad.
“Banks can be social hubs allowing older people to get out and meet people.
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“For too long, West Ealing seems to get a raw deal compared to its richer cousin Ealing Broadway, where bank branches are overwhelmed. This decision also seems short-sighted due to the large numbers of multi-storey homes going up in West Ealing.”
Danny Reardon, Barclays head of corporate relations for London and the South East, said no-one would be made redundant in the closure.
“We appreciate that not all of our customers will adopt change at the same pace,” he added.
“We will ensure everyday banking remains easy and convenient for our customers and will discuss alternative options with our more vulnerable customers.”
He did not specify how this would be achieved.
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