Banking Facilities In Newbiggin By The Sea

EDM number 962 in 1998-99, proposed by Denis Murphy on 01/11/1999.

That this House deplores the decision by Barclays Bank to close its branch in Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland, a decision which will leave the local people without any banking facilities; believes that Barclays have a responsibility to all their customers, and they should understand that for the elderly, infirm and those without use of a private car, travelling several miles to neighbouring towns to access banking facilities is not a realistic or convenient option; notes that in and around Newbiggin by the Sea concerted efforts are being made by the district and county councils to increase tourism, attract business and industry, and develop sites for new housing and urges Barclays to recognise the potential that could exist as a result of these initiatives and to retain a branch in Newbiggin by the Sea; welcomes the commitment from Her Majesty's Government to tackle the problems of social and financial exclusion; and calls upon the Government to introduce urgent legislation which will control closures and ensure that towns and villages like Newbiggin by the Sea retain banking facilities for the benefit of local communities.

This motion has been signed by a total of 16 MPs.