Halifax bank to close branch in Merton
By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Halifax has announced it will leave a high street in Mitcham for good, causing “anger and disappointment” from local customers.
The branch, in Majestic Way, confirmed it will close its doors in the neighbourhood this November.
The planned closure comes a year after Mitcham lost a Barclays in the town centre. Halifax has blamed a fall in visits and claims more than three-quarters of customers use other ways of banking, including online and over the phone.
But MP for Mitcham and Morden, Siobhain McDonagh, said it was vital for local people to have access to cash.
The Labour MP has set up a stall outside the bank in Majestic Way and organised a public meeting next week.
Ms McDonagh said: “There is anger and disappointment at the closure of another bank or building society. We are attempting to get Halifax to meet their customers but so far they are resisting.
“There is a big move towards cash with the cost of living crisis but the ability to get cash as the banks close is getting more difficult.”
Halifax said the nearest ATM was less than 0.1 miles away from the branch. But Ms Mcdonagh said the loss of an indoor cash point will be a blow for some residents.
She added: “A lot of people, particularly the elderly, feel unhappy about using an ATM in the street. They would rather go inside the bank but that is being denied to them. Customers have been longstanding and loyal and they deserve a great deal more respect.”
A spokesman for Halifax said: “Visits to our Mitcham branch have fallen over recent years, as many customers now choose to bank in different ways. When the branch closes in November, customers can continue to bank with us in person at the Tooting branch, or at the Post Office in Langdale Parade.”
A public meeting will be held at St Mark’s Church on Thursday, September 15 at 11am. Halifax plans to close the branch on November 22.
Pictured top: Mitcham Halifax is closing down on November 22, Siobhain McDonagh second from the right (Picture: Siobhain McDonagh)
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