Santander have today (25th March 2021) announced the closure of 111 branches across the country, including New Malden, Surbiton, Putney and Twickenham.

Closing these branches in New Malden and Surbiton will

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 friendly staff who give a patient and helpful service.

Santander is an international company with over £1 trillion of assets, and one of its central stated aims is “Driven to do better”.

The banks in New Malden and Surbiton attracts both personal and business customers and is part of the reason why people come to our High Streets.

These people will have the inconvenience and potential danger of having to drive to another town where parking is difficult to deposit their cash.

We ask Santander to keep our branches open, and continue to provide an essential and excellent service for our residents and businesses. At the very least we ask that the branch is allowed to remain open until at least 2025 to give our towns a chance to prepare for the loss of this essential service.