Save Our Bank

Barclays is the only bank in Welwyn. It also has the only ATM in the village centre. Elderly and less able people who cannot use the internet depend upon the bank for their daily banking needs. Some of these elderly people have spoken to me of their distress at the prospect of losing the bank, as well as the two friendly staff who give a patient and helpful service.

Barclays Bank is an international company making £multi-billion profits annually, and one of its central stated aims is “Building Thriving Local Communities”.

The bank here in Old Welwyn attracts both personal and business customers from surrounding villages and is a big part of what keeps Welwyn thriving. We fear for the future of our village if we lose our bank.

Small businesses and the charity shop that is the hub of village life will be badly affected by the difficulty in handling their takings. They will also have the inconvenience and potential danger of having to drive to another town where parking is difficult to deposit their cash.

We ask Barclays to use some of its profits to keep our branch open and our village alive, and continue to provide an essential and excellent service for our villagers. At the very least we ask that the branch is allowed to remain open until at least 2025 to give our village a chance to prepare for the loss of this essential service.