An MP has called for a banking hub, fearing her constituents could be "cut off" amid branch closures.
Bank closures in Hornchurch, Harold Hill and Upminster have prompted the area's MP Julia Lopez to urge the creation of a shared banking facility.
On May 17, Barclays plans to close its High Street, Hornchurch branch, raising concerns that people in the area, especially the elderly, may not receive the face-to-face service they need.
Ms Lopez said older people would especially benefit from a shared banking facility.
"I don't want constituents cut off from those in-person services," the Conservative MP said.
“It's great that online banking allows us to access a lot of services [...] but it doesn't stop local residents and businesses from needing to talk to an actual person," she added.
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The hub would allow people in Hornchurch and Upminster to bank in-person on all major high street banks on rotating days.
Ms Lopez has launched an online survey to garner views and will be extending it to include postal services.
Regarding the banking hub, Ms Lopez added that more expressions of interest from people in the area would be valuable.
"I'd love everyone to help me gather evidence of need that I can present to the banking hub teams," Ms Lopez said.
To access the survey, go to julialopez.co.uk/news/mp-calls-residents-help-local-banking-campaign.
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