MP's anger as TSB announces Torquay branch closure

Nearest branch will mean a 60-mile round trip

Torbay’s MP has demanded a meeting with officials from TSB after the bank announced that Torquay would be one of 36 branches across the country to close in September.

The bank’s branch at Bude is scheduled to close next year.

TSB says most account holders do their banking online and there is a need for a better balance between staff in face-to-face and digital roles.

Around 250 jobs will go as a result of the closures, which will leave TSB with just 175 branches nationwide.

The bay’s Conservative MP Kevin Foster criticised a suggestion that Torbay TSB customers could switch to using a branch in Exmouth - a 60-mile round trip by road or a £14 return journey by train.

He said: “I found it an interesting sign that someone with no knowledge of our geography had taken part in this decision.

“I accept that the way people bank has changed, yet it is clear from the bank’s email to me this decision did not involve any serious consideration of what it really means for their customers locally.

“Whilst Exmouth may be the closest if sat in a London office using a ruler on a map, citing it as the nearest alternative for customers from Torquay and St Marychurch shows no knowledge of the local area was involved in this decision.

“As anyone who knows our bay would realise, to reach the Exmouth branch would involve either a road or rail journey via Exeter, not a straight line journey on a map.”

Mr Foster said he would be demanding a meeting with the bank to find out what exact role the distance to their nearest alternative bank played in the decision to close this branch and how so-called ‘pods’ which may replace some branches will be able to provide services.

And, he went on: “There are also staff at the branch who have loyally worked for TSB for many years who clearly cannot realistically switch to working in Exmouth, and I will be keen to hear what assurances or otherwise they are being offered.”

The MP said he was also keen to hear from anyone affected by the closure, including staff.