MP calls on banks to heed Cable's call and not be last bank to leave Sedbergh

Business Secretary Vince Cable has written to the big banks urging them to keep branches open in towns where there are no other banks left. Tim has echoed this call and urged Barclays and NatWest to honour this pledge for residents and the community in Sedbergh.

Tim has said that the announcements by both Barclays and NatWest to close their branches will 'be a huge loss' for the area. Tim and Sedbergh councillor Evelyn Westwood are working with local residents calling on the banks to make a U-turn on their plans.

Both banks blame a decline in footfall for their closure plans. The nearest bank when both branches close will be in Kendal, an 11 mile trip. The Post Office are stepping up to offer some services but the banks are removing their cashpoints from the high street.

Tim has taken the issue to parliament and tabled an Early Day Motion about the branch closures: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2014-15/470

Tim said; "This is a deeply unsettling time for staff, residents and businesses of Sedbergh. I will keep pressing and doing all I can to make one or both of the banks change their mind. Residents are incredibly angry about this and I hope that my meetings and discussions with senior banking executives will make them see sense.

"My message to them is clear - you have received help and in some cases bailouts from taxpayers, many of whom are in the Lakes. We now need your help - don't let us down. You have an obligation to us."

Councillor Evelyn Westwood added: "People are horrified at the prospect of the banks closing. Traders fear it will hit their businesses and the residents, especially the older ones, are sick with worry about how they are going to manage."