Traders and shoppers unhappy as two banks close doors

Halifax and NatWest leave town

- By Kerry Ashdown Local Democracy Reporter

IN Leek a blue plaque on the town's Halifax branch proudly commemorates Sir Enoch Hill, who was born in the town and transformed the building society in the early 20th century.

But a century after Sir Enoch headed up the banking giant, there is little else to indicate Leek ever had a Halifax.

The branch closed its doors to customers for the final time earlier this month one of nine across England and Wales to shut in the first week of June. By Monday (June 16) the signage has been removed from the Derby Street building and the cash point boarded up and a for sale sign had been put up in a first floor window.

Monday saw another bank closure in the town centre. Further along Derby Street, NatWest, housed in an attractive landmark building, displayed signs informing customers the branch was now closed, below intricate wooden door carvings.

A striking stone carving above the door reveals the building's past as part of Manchester and Liverpool District Banking Company. A passer-by reflects: "That was back when there was a pride in buildings and people had pride in a bank manager serving them.

"Everywhere you go now it's shut - Lloyds Bank in Ashbourne is closing. They're forcing us down a road I don't want to go down."

The passer-by, who declines to give his name, is referring to the move to a "cashless" society, where transactions are carried out electronically rather than through the handing over of notes and coins. NatWest itself has acknowledged the development when addressing the closures.

A statement on NatWest's website says: "Banking has changed dramatically in recent years, with an increased demand for mobile and online services, as our customers benefit from a faster and easier way to bank. Closing a branch is a decision we take very seriously.