Help save the last bank in Sowerby Bridge

Citing the impact on elderly customers and businesses in particular, Councillors Adam Wilkinson (Lab, Sowerby Bridge), Dot Foster (Lab, Sowerby Bridge) and Halifax MP Holly Lynch are all calling on Managing Director Russell Galley to rethink the decision.

Halifax have announced that the branch on Wharf Street will be closing on July 11.

Councillor Foster claims that residents will be negatively impacted by the closure.

“I’m under no illusions that these decisions are rarely reversed, however I am calling on Halifax Bank bosses to really think about the impact that this will have on our town," she said.

“The bank made nearly £2 billion profit last year and you would have hoped they would be looking to support the towns in their backyard, where many current and former employees have given so much to the firm.

“Many businesses will find it harder to do their banking, and I’m particularly concerned that the bank admit that nearly a quarter of current customers are over 65 and will now be expected to travel to access full banking services.

“Not too long ago we had four banks and now we are facing losing the last bank in Sowerby Bridge. What message does this send to all of us doing everything we can to support local businesses and improve our town centre?”

Halifax MP Holly Lynch added: “I’m disappointed by the planned closure of the Halifax bank branch in Sowerby Bridge and I’m supporting the campaign led by the local Labour councillors urging the bank to reconsider this decision.”

The petition is available to sign online here and in a number of businesses in Sowerby Bridge.