Residents will be aware that NatWest in Eastcote closed last month, leaving the high street without a bank. In response, I worked with Jay, who manages the post office on Field End Road, on an application for a banking hub.
This was submitted to LINK, the body responsible for ensuring sufficient access to cash. Regrettably, the response I have received says that they will not be taking the application further and therefore no review will take place.
The key deciding factors were:
- There remain a number of facilities where residents and businesses can access cash, including ATMs and post offices within 1 mile of Eastcote High Street.
- The closest bank – HSBC in Ruislip – can be reached in 4 minutes by train. Additional services cannot be recommended where a bank branch can be reached within 15 minutes on public transport.
- There have not been any significant changes in the community since the last review took place.
I know this will be disappointing for the many customers and businesses who would benefit from a banking hub on the high street. I have therefore arranged to meet with Adam Wilkinson, Senior Public Affairs Manager at LINK, to discuss further.
LINK's response can be read in full below.
