Restore banking branches and hubs in NW and South Bristol
The Issue
I am an elderly and seriously ill resident of NW Bristol, a bustling area known for its vibrant independent shops along Gloucester Road. Unfortunately, like many others in our community, I find myself without access to essential banking services in our neighborhood. The last major bank branches are disappearing, with South Bristol on the brink of losing its last one. This issue is not just about convenience; it affects the most vulnerable among us—those who are elderly, disabled, or unable to use digital banking services.
It's distressing to think that to access personal banking services, I'd need to travel to the city centre, where the only remaining branch, HSBC, is incredibly busy. For someone like me, this regular journey is unfeasible, but I am not alone. Many in our community feel the same. It's high time we recognize and address the digital divide impacting those who can't make this taxing trek or use digital platforms effectively.
Several other towns and cities are facing similar challenges as major banks shut down high street branches, pushing a growing and underserved population further into a corner.
A practical solution already exists in the form of banking hubs. These shared facilities can accommodate services of multiple banks, offering a range of personal banking options under one roof. Implementing these hubs in NW and South Bristol would not only restore access to vital financial services but also rejuvenate our high streets, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Statistics reflect that over 600 bank branches have closed since 2015 in the UK alone, leaving countless communities in financial exclusion. Vulnerable groups are bearing the brunt of this change. We are calling on banks to acknowledge their responsibility in supporting communities by either reopening vital branches or swiftly rolling out banking hubs.
Join us in urging banks and government authorities to act now. Let’s ensure equitable access to banking services for all members of our community. Your signature can help drive the change we need to see in NW and South Bristol. Sign this petition and let's make our voices heard!
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The Issue
I am an elderly and seriously ill resident of NW Bristol, a bustling area known for its vibrant independent shops along Gloucester Road. Unfortunately, like many others in our community, I find myself without access to essential banking services in our neighborhood. The last major bank branches are disappearing, with South Bristol on the brink of losing its last one. This issue is not just about convenience; it affects the most vulnerable among us—those who are elderly, disabled, or unable to use digital banking services.
It's distressing to think that to access personal banking services, I'd need to travel to the city centre, where the only remaining branch, HSBC, is incredibly busy. For someone like me, this regular journey is unfeasible, but I am not alone. Many in our community feel the same. It's high time we recognize and address the digital divide impacting those who can't make this taxing trek or use digital platforms effectively.
Several other towns and cities are facing similar challenges as major banks shut down high street branches, pushing a growing and underserved population further into a corner.
A practical solution already exists in the form of banking hubs. These shared facilities can accommodate services of multiple banks, offering a range of personal banking options under one roof. Implementing these hubs in NW and South Bristol would not only restore access to vital financial services but also rejuvenate our high streets, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Statistics reflect that over 600 bank branches have closed since 2015 in the UK alone, leaving countless communities in financial exclusion. Vulnerable groups are bearing the brunt of this change. We are calling on banks to acknowledge their responsibility in supporting communities by either reopening vital branches or swiftly rolling out banking hubs.
Join us in urging banks and government authorities to act now. Let’s ensure equitable access to banking services for all members of our community. Your signature can help drive the change we need to see in NW and South Bristol. Sign this petition and let's make our voices heard!
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Petition created on 19 July 2026