Waverley council backs fight against bank closure
A campaign by residents and businesses against the closure of a bank in Surrey has won the backing of a council.
Waverley Borough Council said the closure of Lloyds TSB in Farncombe would have a serious impact on the local economy.
Councillor David Munro said Lloyds TSB had already closed two other rural branches, and he would be writing to the bank's chief executive.
Lloyds TSB has not yet commented on the council's concerns.
Mr Munro says: "Banks are an essential community facility and contribute so much to making neighbourhoods vibrant and healthy.
"Although Godalming may not appear far away from Farncombe on a map, it is difficult for local residents to get there.
"The closure will be one more reason not to go to Farncombe, and will have a knock on effect for other retailers and local businesses."
Mr Munro said the closure proposal was the latest in a programme of closures over recent years by Lloyds TSB which had shut branches in Elstead and Chiddingfold.
He said the bank had mentioned that a reduced number of customers were using the branch in Farncombe.
But he said the bank did not appear to have invested in the local branch or the community to retain or attract new customers.