Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, joined local campaigners on Friday 30 June to receive a petition against the closure of Lloyds Bank in Corringham, the last bank in Corringham.
Stephen Metcalfe recently met with local residents outside Lloyds Bank in Corringham which is due to close on 21 August 2023. Campaigners against the bank’s closure have collected more than 1,675 signatures. Specifically, the campaigners are urging Lloyds to consider the impact on businesses, traders and, particularly, the elderly who disproportionately rely on in-person banking services.
The closure of Lloyds follows the closure of Barclays last year, as well as the current closure of Corringham’s only Post Office.
Stephen received the petition and reaffirmed his commitment to finding a solution for the local area. Whilst it is entirely justified that a private business can choose to shut one of its branches, it is also entirely reasonable that a local community demands access to in-person banking services.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “I think that it is a perfectly reasonable demand that a local community has the ability to access in-person postal and banking services. I agree with the local petitioners that the withdrawal of these services often impacts the elderly and vulnerable the most. We must find a solution – I will, therefore, be meeting Lloyds again later this month to present the petition and ask them to reconsider their decision.”
