Community receives vital banking lifeline

TEAM . . . (L-R) Councillor Jamie Curley, community banker Paul Geary, Oldham Linkage manager Janet Gardner, NatWest local CEO Paul Davies, digital expert Luke Smith

AN ENTERPRISING parish councillor has secured a lifeline for thousands of customers at Saddleworth's last remaining bank.

Despite protests and appeals, NatWest is closing its branch on Uppermill's High Street in June and businesses causing misery and upset for customers.

But Jamie Curley, a Conservative Saddleworth parish councillor, has moved to secure community banking for villagers.

Councillor Curley (50), a doctor in engineering, has been working with the NatWest regional team on a plan which will see both counter transactions and personal banking services retained in Uppermill.

He said: "I'm really pleased we have the commitment from NatWest to stay within the community.

"I'm confident we can provide a broad range of banking services Saddleworth residents require."

He is working on the plan with NatWest's local CEO, Paul Davies, Oldham Linkage manager Janet Gardner and community banker Paul Geary.

Normal counter transactions will be available at Uppermill Post Office, which will supervise cash, cheque and change handling transactions.

Councillor Curley said: "Personal banking customers will also be getting a real personal service from Paul Geary who will be contacting existing customers in the run up to the branch closure to ensure they will be able to access all the services they need."

Mr Geary added: "I'm available at any time a customer needs me either in branch or in our new location which is likely to be the Uppermill Civic Hall."

Local CEO Mr Davies reaffirmed the ATM will remain in Uppermill after reports it was to close.

"I can reassure people this was never in the plan and we communicated this to all customers back in February," he said.

"We can reassure all our business customers facilities will still be available for them in Saddleworth to make counter transactions and all other services they may need.

"If any business customers have any questions or worries they shouldn't hesitate to contact me to out any issues."

Councillor Curley added: "I have asked the team to present the plan to the Saddleworth District Partnership at the next meeting and they readily agreed."

Linkage manager Janet Gardner and the NatWest team will be at the Saddleworth Community Day on Sunday April 2 at the Civic Hall to give advice, show the latest services, discuss the new arrangements and the latest anti-fraud campaign.

Assurance

She said: "While we cannot retain the branch building we will ensure all the services people need will be available within the community."

Customers who are nervous about using online banking will be provided with dedicated help from digital banking expert Luke Smith, who will be working closely with Mr Geary to help people get online and use the latest and most secure banking applications.

Mr Davies emphasised his priority will be providing as many services as people need and he is grateful for the assistance of the Parish Council in setting up the new arrangement and providing premises for the community banking operation.

The new community operation will be available as often as people feel they need it - the exact details of the availability have yet to be finalised.

Mr Geary said: "I will be available as often and at whatever times people need as I would be in a normal branch. Additionally we are always looking to support local projects."

Councillor Curley added: "Working constructively with Paul, Janet and the team means we can retain as much of the services in Saddleworth.

"People will not have to make the trip into either Oldham or Ashton to do their banking as previously feared. I know the branch closure has been a great concern to many people - including me - as a customer. But this plan will hopefully give the community a range of services retained in Saddleworth."

Pam Byrne, the parish council chairman, said: "I am very proud one of our councillor, Jamie Curley, secured talks with NatWest Bank after their announcement they intend to close the Uppermill Branch. The Parish Council made their own submission to them, without response, and the news there is to be a 'Team' from the bank to manage this transition is most welcome."