Residents fear loss of last remaining bank and ‘further decline’ of high street – South London News

Of Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents are desperate to stop the proposed closure of their NatWest branch, which would leave the area without a single bank.

The NatWest branch in Norbury relies on the area’s large elderly population, as well as charities and small business owners.

Community opposition to the closure has been backed by the Labor candidate for Croydon North Steve Reed, who set up a petition that attracted 471 signatories. Residents in the area believe this possible closure demonstrates a “decline” in the streets in general and in Croydon.

NatWest is the last bank branch left on Main Streetafter Lloyds and Barclays pulled their Norbury branches last year.

Many of the nearest remaining branches are either in Streatham, Croydon or Tooting. While bus services serve these routes, many people who can’t afford either or make long journeys said they would be “punished” if the bank closed.

Labor councilor Matt Griffiths, who represents the Norbury and Pollards Hill ward, said: “It really distills that sense of constant decline of the high street. There are many reasons why we want NatWest to keep it open, it almost becomes a moral responsibility really.”

At an event organized by Steve Reed last Friday, residents explained why they decided to show their opposition to the proposed closure, with access to cash highlighted as a particular concern.

The bank is also used by several volunteer organizations operating in the area. The Cassandra Centre, a domestic violence charity, has accounts at NatWest as it is the last bank left near its base.

As a charity they have suffered from previous closures. They used to run some of their services from the old Lloyd’s bank premises before it closed in recent years and have since been unable to find a permanent home.

Many residents noted that Norbury often feels “left behind” and “forgotten” and said this latest incident was a symptom of this. Geographically, it is in the far north of Croydon and is passed on the way to its larger neighbor Streatham.

Steve Reed, who gave a talk outside the branch to a crowd of Labor campaigners and residents, said: “Not long ago this was the most prosperous part and Streatham was not.

“We invested heavily in Streatham, we negotiated with Tesco to build the superstore, they built the leisure center as part of it. All this attracted more money and regenerated them.

“If Croydon council did the same sort of things we were doing in Streatham, there’s no reason why Norbury couldn’t thrive the way Streatham is thriving.”

Councilor Leila Ben-Hassel, who represents the Norbury and Pollards Hill district alongside Griffiths, believes the Tory-led council could take more responsibility for the regeneration of the high street, but acknowledged that change is needed nationally.

She said: “The council has powers with its local plans but planning is too dependent on national legislation. We need more powers to be given to local authorities.”

NatWest has announced that the closure could take place from as early as July 23.

Anthony Boutall, Mr Reed’s Tory challenger for the seat, has also launched his own campaign. Pending closure, he supports the growth of banking centers in Croydon.

He said: “In Tory-represented Croydon South, a new banking hub will soon arrive. This is being set up by an exciting new organization called Cash Access UK, with the active support of local Tory MP Chris Philp.”

Top image: Steve Reed with residents and Labor campaigners outside the Nat West branch in Norbury (Image: Harrison Galliven)

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