Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford has demanded urgent action from the Treasury and LINK following Santander’s decision to close its Farnham branch, just weeks after Barclays shut its doors.
When Santander closes on Tuesday 29th July, over 100,000 people across the constituency will be left without a single bank. The only remaining facility will be a Nationwide branch that does not serve business customers and cannot meet the community’s full needs.
In a letter to the Treasury and LINK, Mr Stafford made clear that this situation is unacceptable and demanded urgent action to ensure a Banking Hub is in place before Santander closes:
“It is now essential that the Government and LINK take swift and decisive action to ensure a Banking Hub for Farnham is in place before July. We cannot allow a constituency of over 100,000 people to be left without a single bank.”
His letter follows a deeply disappointing assessment from LINK, which has concluded that Santander’s closure will not “cause a significant impact for the community” and has not recommended a new Hub. Mr Stafford has strongly rejected this conclusion and is urging his constituents to challenge the decision.
“LINK’s assessment is completely out of touch with the reality on the ground. With no other bank available, the impact on Farnham will be huge. I encourage all residents and businesses to appeal this decision so that their voices are heard.”
While welcoming Bordon’s soon-to-open Banking Hub, Mr Stafford made it clear that Farnham must not be left waiting years for a solution—as Bordon residents have since their last bank branch closed in 2017.
Speaking after Santander’s announcement, Mr Stafford said:
“This news, coming just weeks after Barclays’ closure, is a huge blow to Farnham. I know how deeply concerned residents are about the relentless decline of High Street banking.
Banks’ commercial priorities have changed, but that cannot come at the expense of those who still rely on in-person services.
I fully support the need for a Banking Hub in Farnham, but let me be clear. This is not just a ‘nice to have’. It is essential, and I am demanding that an agreement is in place before Santander closes in July.”
The Government has committed to rolling out 350 new Banking Hubs nationwide, but during a debate on rural banking, Mr Stafford criticised the slow pace of delivery, warning that branch closures are outpacing solutions.
“Farnham’s need for a Banking Hub is now undeniable. I will work closely with LINK and Cash Access UK to support in any way necessary to secure a solution for my constituents. This cannot wait.”
Mr Stafford attended the opening of Haslemere’s Banking Hub in December 2023 and remains in discussions with Cash Access UK ahead of Bordon’s Hub opening at The Shed before moving to a permanent site.
