Following the recent shock announcement by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to close another 162 branches nationwide, Stockport Liberal Democrats have called on the bank to re-think its proposal and have asked Stockport Council to write to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee – Nicky Morgan MP – demanding an inquiry. The Lib Dems have also submitted a motion to the next meeting of Stockport Council condemning the five branch closures proposed in the borough and hope to get all party support for their campaign.
Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Lib Dem Group at Stockport Town Hall, said: “As RBS is owned by the tax-payer these proposals to reduce their high street presence still further are simply unacceptable. Many jobs will be lost and for those people who still use these facilities the trek to the next nearest branch will cause great inconvenience. In Cheadle Hulme the problem is especially bad as this is the last remaining bank branch in the district centre. We reject the assumption that internet banking is the right choice for everyone – many people still prefer to conduct their business face to face.
Deputy Leader, Cllr Lisa Smart, added: “Bank branches can be anchors in their high streets and draw customers to neighbouring small businesses. Losing 31 branches across Greater Manchester and five across Stockport will be a further blow to our hard-working retailers. We hope that the Treasury Select Committee will take up our call for an inquiry into this ill-thought proposal.”
