MP and councillor launch campaign to protect banking in Sedbergh

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined Sedbergh councillor Evelyn Westwood to try and protect high street banking in Sedbergh, after both Barclays and NatWest announced that they planned to close their branches in the town.

NatWest plan to close their branch in the New Year. Tim has been inundated by local residents concerned at the news and worried how it will affect local businesses.

Last week, Tim wrote to the Chief Executives of both banks to demand that they come to Sedbergh and see the impact of the decision and meet the people affected.

But today, Tim and Evelyn have also launched a petition calling on both banks to retain their branches. Tim and Evelyn hope that a groundswell of support will show the need for the banks in town.

Tim cited Natwest's Customer Charter that they will 'make banking easier' and will be 'there whenever you need help'.

Tim said: "I am deeply worried about this announcement and I hope that the Chief Executives come and explain their decisions to local people, rather than hide behind press officers and their desks in London. I will also be pressing them to put in mitigation measures to make sure a service is delivered for people in Sedbergh."

Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale Councillor Evelyn Westwood added: "This is awful news and as a small business owner I understand the impact this will have on our town. I will do all I can to make Barclays and Natwest see sense."