An open letter sent to Barclays following the announcement of the closure of Barclays Branch, Coulsdon .....
We write as the three councillors covering Coulsdon to express our disappointment that Barclays are to close their branch in the Town.
Coulsdon is a vibrant shopping centre servicing thousands of local residents. Many of these residents are elderly and are not as in tune with modern day banking technology as others of a younger age.
Since the announcement we have received many complaints about the closure including from volunteers helping local charities that handle a lot of cash. Cash that can't be deposited at the post office. Our knowledge and experiences are of long queues at the branch which defies the claim that the branch is under used. Barclays has a longstanding tradition of community banking. I'm sure you would wish to preserve this reputation that has been built over many years.
Barclays has succeeded at a local community level where your competitors have failed. We ask you to seriously rethink this short-sighted decision to the benefit of Barclays reputation and your many loyal Coulsdon customers.
We will be inviting local residents to write to you in a similar vein.
Kind regards
Cllr Mario Creatura Cllr Ian Parker and Cllr Luke Shortland
