York Press column: Now more than ever we must stand up for local services
August 24, 2022
This summer has seen a couple of concerning setbacks for the provision of local services in towns and villages in my constituency.
Last month came news that from October the Haxby branch of Barclays bank would be part of the latest round of closures, with Barclays citing huge reductions in the number of customers using an in-person service relative to those using telephone or online banking.
Given the vital importance of access to physical banking services for the community, especially for many older or more vulnerable residents, I thought it essential to seek guarantees that Barclays will continue to assist its loyal local customers through a proper presence in Haxby.
Thankfully, there are several cash machines close by and the banking services available at Haxby Post Office continue to provide important facilities, but this is no substitute for Barclays putting in place proper ongoing provision for residents.
During a meeting with the Customer Care Director from Barclays I requested that if the bank would not reconsider the branch’s future then they should put in place comprehensive plans so that the impact on their customers is minimised. As a result, I secured a visit by the Barclays Van to assist the community as they transition to not having over-the-counter services in town. I enjoyed meeting the team from Barclays as they visited Haxby Memorial Hall this week and answered questions about how customers can get the most out of their account through the Barclays app and advised on alternatives to in-branch services. I also had to opportunity to talk to some of those who had booked appointments and whist they were reassured that the Post Office can cover most day-to-day services they were keen to ensure Barclays staff still regularly visit the community to cover bespoke services offered by the bank.
In addition to this, there is current uncertainty about the future of the number 11 bus service between Bishopthorpe and Burnholme, with discussions between City of York Council and the operator First York ongoing, concerns have been raised that an amended route will stop at the outskirts of the city, missing out the village of Bishopthorpe. Were this change to go ahead it would severely restrict the public transport options available to residents in Bishopthorpe, increase congestion by necessitating car travel into the city centre and isolate those who are unable to travel by car.
With this in mind, I have requested an urgent meeting with First York and City of York Council to ask for urgent clarification on this issue in order to provide much needed certainty for local residents. I will also be writing to all residents of Bishopthorpe to explain how I plan to take this campaign forward and I will be out in
person over the Bank Holiday weekend talking to residents and circulating a petition which hopefully will show the strength of feeling locally on this issue.
In addition, I encourage all my constituents to fill out the council’s ongoing bus survey which is currently open online (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/EnhancedBusPartnership). This allows you to have your say as how the council spends £17.3 million that has been awarded to it by the Department for Transport to deliver its Bus Service Improvement Plan. It is concerning that none of this substantial funding is set to be invested in rural bus services around York and residents should make clear to the council that this should be a priority.
Ending on a more positive note, later this week I will be meeting with a representative of City of York Council to discuss the detailed plans for the new railway station at Haxby at which I will be keen to impress the importance of adequate parking provision and enhanced road connectivity to ensure that the new station is easily accessible from both Haxby, Strensall and nearby villages.
Standing up for local service provision remains one of the most important parts of my job as Member of Parliament for York Outer and I believe it to be vital that as we continue to invest in York’s economy and connectivity all parts of the patch are able to see the benefits.
