Protest over plans to close Appleby bank (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Protest over plans to close Appleby bank

4:00pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News

BUSINESSES in Appleby are to raise a petition in protest at the closure of HSBC bank in the town.

Customers were this week sent letters saying the closure was due to economic reasons and the Kirkby Stephen branch would remain open.

The Appleby branch closes on November 30. Two full-time posts and a number of part-time posts are under threat.

The closure will leave just one bank, Barclays, and one building society, the Cumberland, in the town. Many businesses and tradespeople who rely on the branch are angry.

Chair of Appleby Community Acting Together Susan Spence said: “We are planning to set up a petition. The branch provides a vital service.”

Carl Bendelow, secretary of Appleby Chamber of Trade, said: “The closure of the bank is a big blow not only to businesses and local people but also visitors.”