‘Shock’ and ‘disappointment’ as Eastbourne MP accepts Langney Barclays closure

There was an outcry after the bank announced it would be closing its branch in Langney Shopping Centre on May 7.

Residents and councillors launched a campaign to save the much-appreciated bank – but Caroline Ansell says it is not realistic to expect it to stay open.

Mrs Ansell said, “Sadly, we must be realistic and accept Barclays will close this branch following a decline in people using it.

“However, I’m of the firm belief Barclays has a duty of care to its loyal customers, especially those who are older and perhaps not so internet savvy.”

Mrs Ansell, who won the seat back from Stephen Lloyd in the December 12 general election, said she has spoken directly with Barclays directors over the issue.

She said, “We had a positive and constructive dialogue and I made it clear I want to see this bank go the extra mile and do more to help with the transition for these customers.

“On their part the bank said it would look into the proposals I asked them to put in place and I am meeting the Barclays team, at the Centre, later this month.

“Change is not easy but also a sign of the times as more and more people bank online. There will be options going forward but Barclays must make sure no one is left behind.”

The Conservative MP says she has suggested ways to help customers after the closure, including installing iPads in a community place or leaving a member of the Barclays team at the centre.

However, local Lib Dem councillor Alan Shuttleworth, who is fighting to save the Langney branch, said he was ‘shocked and really disappointed’ by Mrs Ansell’s stance.

He said, “The loss of the Bank will hit businesses, local schools and those residents who find it difficult to travel into the town centre or cannot afford this additional cost.

“I was elected to defend our local services and represent residents in this battle.

“I was shocked and really disappointed that our MP is not backing local people in this fight to keep the bank open.”

Councillor Shuttleworth says he has contacted Barclay’s chief executive Matt Hammerstein to implore a rethink.

He is meeting with bank executives on February 24, where he will argue footfall to the branch dropped during the shopping centre building works, but the new extension will attract more people.

He said, “Langney Shopping Centre is a regional centre which serves a huge area beyond just the immediate area, and is one of the few local Shopping Centres in the country which is expanding.

“It was understandable that footfall dropped during the building works but the combination of new shops and other attractions as well as the potential reach of the centre means it is commercially viable and a much-needed service for the community.”