You can see it among the bank's thousands of staff here and among those in positions of influence who are rolling up their sleeves for the fight to protect jobs.

In those initial few hours of blinding bewilderment, as HBOS shares first hit the deck in a frenzy of short trading and then steadied as the Lloyds TSB takeover became apparent, it was all too understandable for people's worst fears to find expression in words of anger, panic and resentment.

"They can't do this to us," seemed to be everyone's reaction to the feeling that a bunch of outsiders had ridden in and ransacked a business that was our pride and joy.

"You mustn't take those jobs away – we need them!" Such was the mood.

But we will do ourselves no favours in the campaign to come by taking on the role of victim or by relying on an appeal to people's sympathy. Not least because in the hard-nosed world of banking, sympathy butters no parsnips.

Instead, a far more cogent and persuasive appeal is emerging. The one that tells the controllers of the merged bank – look what a fantastic asset you just acquired, and at a knock-down price! Look at the purpose-built facilities, the market-leading brands, the incredible experience and expertise of the local workforce. Buildings, brands and brains.

And while you are at it, come and look at what else Calderdale has to offer.

This should be the beating heart of your new superbank. Don't waste it.