Shipley MP slams 'Save Our Bank' campaign to save NatWest

Earlier this month, the company confirmed it is closing 43 branches across the UK - including those in Shipley and Ilkley – in the latest move to transition its banking services online.

NatWest Shipley, in Market Street, will close its doors for the final time to customers on February 23, 2023.

Anna Dixon, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Shipley and Mike Connors, Chair of Shipley Town Council, have led the campaign after market traders and businesses expressed their concerns.

Anna Dixon is determined to not let NatWest in Shipley shut (Image: Google)

Shipley MP Philip Davies (Con) says the campaign is "utterly futile" and gives "false hope to the local community."

He has called for more honesty after speaking to representations who say the reversal of the decision is not on their agenda.

He said: “Instead of this stunt which Anna knows is utterly futile and gives false hope to the local community, I have already been in contact with the senior managers of NatWest to protest about this decision.

“From those representations I am afraid that they will not be changing their decision. I think that being honest with constituents is a better way to behave rather than to give people false hope in the desire for self-publicity."

Shipley MP Philip Davies feels the campaign is pointless (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Davis added: "I think the behaviour of the banks - and the contempt with which they treat their customers - is reprehensible.

"They are already making huge profits and therefore there is no need to all for them to be closing branches.

"I hope very much that their customers vote with their feet and move their accounts to the banks which remain in Shipley."

Businesses and traders have expressed their concerns (Image: Google)

Local Labour members had been speaking to the bank’s customers who were shocked at the news the branch was closing down.

Mrs Dixon said: “The closure of the bank is another blow to Shipley town centre and will badly affect local shops and businesses.

"It will reduce access to banking facilities for people who are not online - disproportionately affecting older people and those who can't afford smartphones or internet at home.

"It is vital we stop any further closures and start to see improvements to the town centre being made and more community events to attract people to Shipley.”

It is due to close next February (Image: Google)

Residents and customers are being urged to attend a public meeting this evening (5-6pm) at Kirkgate Centre, Shipley to make their views heard.