Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, encouraged the Deputy Prime Minister to outline at PMQs what action the Government could take to maintain the high street presence of banks and post offices.
Following a recent meeting with local petitioners who are campaigning against the closure of the last bank in Corringham, Stephen took their concerns to the House of Commons.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on 5 July, Stephen asked the Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden: “Last Friday, I met a group of residents who have raised a petition to keep the last bank in Corringham Town open.
The viability of our town centres is often dependent on the presence of a small number of anchor businesses such as a post office or bank.
Can my Rt. Hon. Friend tell the House what action the Government can take to ensure that at least one of these maintains a high street presence to support businesses and residents alike, particularly when these organisations previously received significant Government support!”
The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, replied: “Well, my Honourable Friend is absolutely right to raise this issue; banks are a cornerstone of our high streets – of course, it’s ultimately a commercial decision for banks but I do think it’s right that they take into account the views of local communities and I am sure the bank in question will have heard the remarks to the House from my Honourable Friend and I trust they will take appropriate action.”
