On Wednesday 22nd November, NatWest announced that they would be closing the Bakewell Branch. Sarah Dines MP is campaigning against this closure.
Sarah Dines MP said, ‘To say I was disappointed to hear NatWest’s plans to close the branch at Bakewell would be an understatement. I am surprised by this closure, as this bank provides a vital service for my constituents and businesses, many of whom are unable to bank online. I was also, quite literally, surprised by this closure as NatWest failed to consult me in any way. I first received notification of this closure at 17.15 on Tuesday 21st November, embargoed until Wednesday 22nd November, when it became public knowledge.
This branch provides a vital service to not just those living and working in Bakewell, but also to farmers and individuals from further afield. I have heard wonderful feedback about the staff at the Bakewell branch and I know many constituents share my view that this level of service is hard to replicate via a call centre or online.
I believe very strongly that constituents should not be forced into online banking by an engineered lack of choice by the banks and I want to reassure you that I am working to keep NatWest open
I do not know if I will be successful, but I am doing all I can to get NatWest to change their mind. I have been conducting a petition in Bakewell, with local Councillors Susan Hobson, Mark Wakeman, Alasdair Sutton and Gareth Gee. We were honoured to also be joined by former Councillor Mrs Judith Twigg MBE and so many residents have signed and shared their views. I will be presenting the results of the petition to NatWest in due course. You can sign this petition online now at www.sarahdines.org.uk/petition-keep-bakewell-natwest-open.’
