I’m bitterly disappointed by the announced closure of the Fleetwood branch of Santander.

The move comes just months after the closure of RBS. Now we face yet more job losses and damage to our local communities, high streets and our local businesses that rely on banking facilities –  not least the self employed who still get regularly paid by cheque.

I’m approaching other agencies to see what the options are for establishing a Credit Union in the town and in the meantime if you want to contact me about this issue please call my office on 01253 490440 or email me on cat.smith.mp@parliament.uk.

Under a Labour government, there would be mandatory consultation around the closure of bank branches. We have a duty to ensure there is basic banking infrastructure for all who need it.