Lightwater Business Association

Anthony Jenkins
Barclays PLC
1 Churchill Place,
London
E14 5HP.

23.1.15
Tim Salter
Carson and Co
39 Guildford

Road
5SA

Lightwater
Surrey GU18

Dear Mr Jenkins
Re: Barclays Lightwater Closure
Many thanks for facilitating a meeting with your Community Leader, Matthew Bell in respect of
the above. I report the meeting took place yesterday and was attended by myself and
colleague Mike Duffy and Karen Whelan (Chief Executive Surrey Heath Council)
Mr Bell explained some of his rationale behind his closure decision but was adamant
Throughout our meeting the branch would close and expressed his opinion that if Barclays was
his business he would close even more branches.
We of course feel that Mr Bell is not thinking objectively about your reputation / strength of
feeling or the assistance that is on offer from influential stakeholders nor indeed the
endearment saving this branch would engender.
I have taken this opportunity to attach some statistics and our proposals of assistance and
would be obliged if you could take a look. (This was verbally presented to Mr Bell)
Statistics
-This branch serves a population of 20,000 people* (Lightwater, Windlesham, Bagshot,
WestEnd)
-4,000 people of this figure are over 65yrs!* This of course will increase.
-In an Independent survey Lightwater was voted 4th best place to live in the country**
-Demographics for the 4 villages are fantastic.
-Businesses and residents choose Lightwater because of it is great infrastructure and thriving
commerciality.
-Unlike other locations there are no vacant shops or offices.
-A brand new 57 Bed care home has just opened in the village. 200 new homes are on the local
plan for Windlesham.
-A new 40,000 square ft Waitrose store is currently being built in Bagshot.
-The closest sensible alternative bank is Camberley 4.6 miles away. (Parking is chargeable)
Chairman: Tim Salter, Carson & Co Tel: 01276 476161 Email: chairman@lightwaterbusiness.co.uk
Treasurer/Secretary: Mike Loughton, Sirtax Accounting Tel: 01276 451465 Email: treasurer@lightwaterbusiness.co.uk

A community moving together in the right direction

It makes sense to use your local business
Visit us at www.lightwaterlocal.co.uk
for a local business directory

Lightwater Business Association

-2500 people have already registered their objection (copy given to Mr Bell). Publicity and
media will only grow.
-On line petition Just started (www.lightwaterlocal.co.uk). Sample attached, Twitter and
facebook also.
-Lightwater Post office is not a banking alternative.

Proposal
-Liaise with the community to make this branch busier.
-Liaise with our members to transfer their accounts and banking to Barclays Lightwater.
-Negotiate with Castle Wildish (your landlords) for cheaper rent.
-Liaise with Surrey Heath council for lower business rates.
-Consider re-locating bank next door within Budgens supermarket.
In Summary, we feel that Barclays is a key stakeholder in our 4 village community and do not
want to see its demise.
Yours sincerely

Tim Salter
2012

* 2011 census
** Independent Newspaper

Chairman: Tim Salter, Carson & Co Tel: 01276 476161 Email: chairman@lightwaterbusiness.co.uk
Treasurer/Secretary: Mike Loughton, Sirtax Accounting Tel: 01276 451465 Email: treasurer@lightwaterbusiness.co.uk

A community moving together in the right direction

It makes sense to use your local business
Visit us at www.lightwaterlocal.co.uk
for a local business directory