Ely and East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats expressed their shock and concern at plans by Barclays Bank to close its Ely branch on Thursday 11 April. Parliamentary candidate Cllr Charlotte Cane is calling on Barclays to reconsider, and to keep the Ely branch open.
“I understand that banks need to control their costs, but they must remember that they also have a responsibility to their communities,” said Cllr Cane.
“Residents and businesses need to be able to deposit and withdraw cash. Individuals want to speak face-to-face for some transactions.
“And banks themselves still require in-person visits in some circumstances, such as to prove identity, register Powers of Attorney, or manage finances after a death.”
Ely East district and city councillors Kathrin Holtzmann and Mary Wade added: “A thriving market town needs local banking facilities, and the Ely branch of Barclays occupies a place in the very centre of our high street.
“Barclays needs to reconsider its plans and keep its Ely branch open.”
Lib Dem county councillor Piers Coutts said: “Councils at all levels are trying to support our local businesses and keep our high streets alive.
“The ability to carry out basic banking transactions is at the heart of this. We need Barclays to work with us and keep this branch open.”
Barclays are advising local customers to use online or telephone banking, go to branches in Cambridge or Bury St Edmunds, or use post office branches for business or personal banking.
Liberal Democrats have pointed that Barclays has already moved to close several branches in and around Cambridge, including Hardwick, Histon, Sawston, and the branch in Addenbrookes.
“Barclays branches in surrounding towns such as Haverhill, Newmarket, and Bishop’s Stortford are also on the bank’s recent closure lists, while Lode recently lost its Post Office and Sutton is set to lose its post office in the next few months,” said a Lib Dem spokesperson.
Local Liberal Democrats are encouraging residents to make their views known to Barclays, by telephone on 03457 345345, or by email to lianne.coupland@barclays.com
