In December, Natwest announced it would be closing its branch on Old Dover Road, which serves Blackheath, Westcombe Park and Charlton. Your local Conservatives are campaigning to save the branch from closure. Sign the petition online at ipetitions.com/petition/keep-blackheath-westcombe-park-natwest-open.
The Blackheath and Westcombe Park Branch serves residents and local businesses in Blackheath, Westcombe Park and Charlton. Natwest customers will have to go to either Greenwich or Lewisham if the branch closes.
Local Councillor Geoff Brighty said: “Local traders and shopkeepers, as well as those residents who are less mobile or less comfortable using online banking, rely on local branches. If this branch closes, then only the Barclays Bank will remain. Not every banking task can be done online and the banks shouldn’t be making it harder to access them."
Thomas Turrell added: “Research by the Federation of Small Businesses found that bank closures have an negative impact on local shops. Cash can’t be deposited online and, when discussing financial matters, some people feel more comfortable having a face-to-face chat rather than over the phone or through an app. This closure will affect easy access to these services and I hope it does not hurt our fantastic local shops."