Vince Cable

MP Vincent Cable met Barclays bosses this week to discuss the planned closure of the Barclays branch in Hampton. Next month, when it is due to shut, there will be only one bank branch locally: Lloyds.

Vincent Cable said; "I was concerned that with the closure of two post offices and, now, one of the two bank branches, Hampton is being effectively denuded of local, easily accessible, financial services".

"Barclays managers made the point that the branch does not have many customers and is mainly used for withdrawing cash which can be carried out at the Lloyds ATM or at Hampton Post Office in Station Road. I nonetheless made the point to them that for some of their loyal customers there is now a trek to Hampton Hill or Teddington. I don't expect the bank to change its mind over the closure but I hope my representation and those of local residents will bring home to the bank the need not to take customers for granted".