The St James area of Northampton is a close knit and diverse community that has areas of deprivation that rank highly in the national indices; in the top 20%.

The area has suffered in recent years with closure of local shops and banks that many areas take for granted on their High Streets; we have lost the bakers, greengrocers, NatWest and Lloyds bank in the last two years. The local library is also earmarked for closure unless volunteers can be found to run it and fund it.

These are all key amenities within 50 yards of each other which by their loss is destroying the local economy and undermining community cohesion. The Nationwide brand is one that has been trusted by generations and the St James Branch  is used by many elderly folk and people who don't use internet banking or who prefer the contact with a real human being. 

St James can ill afford the closure of this branch which is also a focal point on the Square. It will be another nail in the coffin of an area which is struggling.

We therefore call on the Nationwide Building Society to spare St James Branch from these closures, meet with local elected and community representatives, with a view  to continuing to support our local community. A community that needs support and investment.