Lib Dem Councillor Ben Holdman leads fight against closure of another local bank in Tiverton

Lib Dem Councillor Ben Holdman leads fight against closure of another local bank in Tiverton.

Tiverton's Castle Councillor Ben Holdman has joined local residents in taking issue with the decision of Barclays bank to close their Tiverton Branch.

Cllr. Holdman has expressed dismay at the decision saying: "Barclays has given no consideration for the businesses, the community and the elderly people who live in the town and use the bank and how this will affect them.

"Tiverton is the largest town in this part of Mid Devon and is a vital hub for the local communities to access their banking facilities."

Cllr. Holdman has asked Barclays for a meeting to explain reasons for the closure.

Local businessman David Wulff, who banks with Barclays, added to the concern. "For many people a switch to online banking is not feasible as they don't have reliable internet access outside of the main town.

"Having a local branch was one of the main factors in choosing to bank with Barclays for my businesses. It is a huge disappointment that they are considering leaving us without a local counter."

Richard Foord MP has spoken out about the closure announcement: "It is very disappointing to learn of the decision from Barclays UK to close their branches in both Honiton and Tiverton in just a few months' time.

"This is a huge blow, not just for many of those living in the towns, but also those in the surrounding area who rely on being able to access these services locally.

"This is just the latest in a swathe of bank closures which risk leaving our communities as banking deserts - devoid of any local branches. I will be writing to Barclays' CEO to raise these concerns and demand answers on why this is happening, especially since Barclays made huge profits last year."