Ian Lavery warns Bedlington is set to become 'banking desert' with last branch set to close

Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery has called for a debate in the House of Commons on the impact of high street bank closures after TSB announced plans to close its final branch in Bedlington next May.

The branch on Front Street in Bedlington was announced yesterday as one of 36 outlets to close across the country. The company's branch in Amble is also set to close.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Ashington-born Labour MP criticised the decision to close the town's last branch. It follows a similar situation in Alnwick, with Lloyds and Halifax both announcing plans to close in March.

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Addressing Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt, Mr Lavery said: "Yesterday, TSB announced 36 bank closures including the bank on Bedlington high street in my constituency.

"It will be the last bank closing its doors, making Bedlington basically a banking desert. I understand that lots of people now prefer telephone banking or internet banking but there is lots and lots of people, mainly vulnerable people, who depend on high street banks.

"This will have a huge impact on Bedlington. Will the Leader of the House join me in appealing - demanding - on TSB to review their decision in Bedlington, and can we have a debate in this house to discuss the impact on towns like Bedlington because of these actions?"

Ms Mordaunt replied: "I am sorry to hear about the situation in my honourable friend's constituency. It is in everyone's interests, including the banks, that constituents have access to their services.

"Even if a particular building, bricks and mortar, has to close down, there are ways or retaining these banking services such as cash banking for businesses and access to banking services particularly for vulnerable and older people.

"These need to be continued in our communities. I will make sure that the relevant department will give the honourable gentleman advice about what he can do to help facilitate that - but of course, this bank has an obligation to ensure that its customers can continue to use its services."

TSB has said that the way customers bank is "changing", with more than 95% of transactions now made using mobile, online and other ways to bank as opposed to in branches. However, the company insisted it was "committed" to face-to-face services across the country.

In Bedlington, just 13 personal customers and four business customers used the branch regularly. The nearest branch for residents is in Morpeth, while there is also a nearby post office that offers cash services.