Leslie Clyne reads the sign on the door of the Kilburn High Road branch of Santander

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A BANK in Kilburn which has closed for some months, with no set date of reopening has caused concern for local people who used to rely on it every day.

Santander in the Kilburn High Road has been closed since August 13 citing “health and safety” reasons which the bank says they are “working hard to investigate.”

Leslie Clyne, a 75-year-old disabled man who has lived in Kilburn for nearly 30 years and used to work as a lorry driver for John Lewis said it was nearly impossible for him to use alternate branches as he finds it hard to travel.

He said: “It’s been closed for quite a long time now. They said it’s down to the fact that there is a health and safety issue there. The bank has told me I can go to Golders Green, Edgware Road or Cricklewood which is not open on Saturdays.

“I’ve got a disability and I have to use public transport to go to other branches, which is really difficult for me. It affects me and it also affects other local people.

Mr Clyne used to be a lorry driver for John Lewis

“When I spoke to someone from the head office of Santander they told me I can go to an alternate branch. .

“I’ve lived in Kilburn for nearly 30-odd years, it’s a long time. I’m very concerned but not only for myself but for every other person. How can they keep this bank closed? There have also been people sleeping in front of the branch since it has been closed, which is concerning for the residents who live in the area.”

Mr Clyne added: “Everybody that used that bank would have the same concerns. It’s not just me, it’s everybody. Kilburn itself it’s not the same any more. When I first lived in Kilburn it used to be great but now it’s deteriorated, there’s nothing to draw people into Kilburn now all the good shops which people used to use are all gone. What is the point of coming to Kilburn?

“It makes me wonder what Santander has been doing this whole time? And why they have to investigate, that’s a joke.”

A spokesperson for Santander said: “Due to health and safety issues, our Kilburn branch is temporarily closed. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused and are working hard to investigate the issue so that the branch can reopen as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, customers can complete everyday banking activities at the Kilburn High Road post office, a four-minute walk from the Kilburn branch, otherwise the closest Santander branches are in Cricklewood, the Edgware Road or Harlesden. Customers can also use online and mobile banking, as well as chat and telephone banking, to manage their money.”

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