Rethink needed on Thornton Heath bank closure
Barclays Bank have announced plans to close their Thornton Heath Branch.
Steve Reed has written to Barclays on behalf of local residents opposing the plans.
You can read Steve’s letter in full below or here.
Dear Mr Staley,
Re: Barclays Bank Thornton Heath, 1 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 7YL
Many of my constituents have contacted me with their concerns about your plans to close the Barclays Bank in Thornton Heath.
I am very concerned that this would leave Thornton Heath without any bank at all. This would have a negative impact on the entire high street, but in particular it would affect elderly and disabled residents who are uncomfortable with online banking and find it hard to travel to other parts of the borough.
Thornton Heath’s Barclays is often very busy, showing the high level of demand for a physical bank in the area. Your decision is particularly disappointing as it undermines the work being led by Croydon Council to regenerateThornton Heath High Street.
I hope that you will reconsider your plans and keep this branch open at the heart of an area that needs you there.
Yours sincerely,
Steve Reed MP
Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.
Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.