I welcome the pledge by Nationwide Building Society to keep its High Street branches open which are especially crucial for our town centre. Ensuring local access to face-to-face banking keeps our high street alive and supports local businesses and residents.
Since its acquisition of Virgin Money it now has two branches in Oldham which are important to drive footfall and secure banking facilities. Given we’ve seen the closure of Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays just doors away it gives choice to those who need face to face services.
Alongside the work to save the main Oldham Post Office, which was a rare success to celebrate, this is positive news.
It shows too that ownership matters. Nationwide is owned by its 16m UK members not distant shareholders, and it’s why I support building societies being protected and celebrated.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 