Opposition is growing to plans to Leeds Building Society’s plans to close its branch on Armley Town Street.
The branch is one of six LBS is axing across Leeds by the end of June following an increase in internet and telephone access.
But the Armley closure has been met with some dismay locally – both Yorkshire Bank and HSBC have closed their branches over the past couple of years, leaving just Lloyds as the only remaining bank on Town Street.
Armley councillor Alice Smart said:
“[I’m] very disappointed to hear the Armley branch of Leeds Building Society is closing without consultation with local residents or councillors.
“In recent years, Armley has lost two banks and seen an increase in payday lenders. I hope [they] will reconsider their decision.”
Very disappointed to hear the #Armley branch of @leedsbs is closing without consultation with local residents or councillors. @WLDispatch
— Alice Smart (@Alice_Smart) April 4, 2017
She said the three Armley councillors and MP Rachel Reeves have written to LBS to voice their concerns.
Armley resident Emma Bearman said yesterday on Twitter:
“I agree that this is not great for the future prospects of our town street, sadly banks and building societies are digitising and I was told by a financial services company they wouldn’t be likely to put good money into poorer areas where people don’t save much.
“Whether this is true or not [areas] like Armley’s Town Street reflect the perceived local market. What do we do to turn fortunes around?”
Mike Winter added:
“They did exactly the same in Headingley, really disappointing and no apparent sense of community needs.”
All Together Armley have been contacted for a comment.
LBS said a vulnerable customer team has been established to look after those affected and that none of the axed branches in Armley, Beeston, Boston Spa, Chapel Allerton, Harehills Road and Street Lane in Roundhay were more than 1.3 miles away from other branches.
UPDATE 9.15pm, Thursday, April 6: All Together Armley have called for a meeting with LBS to discuss the plans.
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