Farnham and Bordon MP Gregory Stafford has demanded urgent action after Santander’s decision to close its Farnham branch, just weeks after Barclays shut its doors.

Mr Stafford said that after Santander closes on Tuesday, July 29, more than 100,000 people across the constituency will be left without a single bank. He said the only remaining facility will be a Nationwide branch that does not serve business customers and cannot meet the community’s full needs.

Mr Stafford said the closure of Santander was “a huge blow to Farnham”.

“I know how deeply concerned residents are about the relentless decline of high street banking,” he added.

“Banks’ commercial priorities have changed, but that cannot come at the expense of those who still rely on in-person services.”

Santander announced on Wednesday morning that it would close 95 branches across the country, including ones in Farnham and nearby Fleet.

Cash Access UK (LINK), the UK’s primary ATM network, subsequently announced plans to open 19 new banking hubs nationwide, but Farnham was not among them.

In a letter to the Treasury and LINK, Mr Stafford said this situation is unacceptable and demanded urgent action to ensure a banking hub is in place before Santander closes.

“It is now essential that the Government and LINK take swift and decisive action to ensure a banking hub for Farnham is in place before July. We cannot allow a constituency of over 100,000 people to be left without a single bank,” he said.

His letter follows an assessment from LINK, which has concluded that Santander’s closure will not “cause a significant impact for the community” and has not recommended a new hub.

Mr Stafford has strongly rejected this conclusion and urged his constituents to challenge the decision.

“LINK’s assessment is completely out of touch with the reality on the ground. With no other bank available, the impact on Farnham will be huge. I encourage all residents and businesses to appeal this decision so that their voices are heard.”

In Bordon, a campaign by Mr Stafford and the town’s former MP Damian Hinds led to LINK agreeing to open a new banking hub in the town in April.

While welcoming Bordon’s hub, Mr Stafford said: “Farnham must not be left waiting years for a solution—as Bordon residents have since their last bank branch closed in 2017.

“I fully support the need for a banking hub in Farnham, but let me be clear - this is not just a ‘nice to have’. It is essential, and I am demanding that an agreement is in place before Santander closes in July.”

The Government has committed to rolling out 350 new banking hubs nationwide, but during a debate on rural banking, Mr Stafford criticised the slow pace of delivery, warning that branch closures are outpacing solutions.

“Farnham’s need for a banking hub is now undeniable. I will work closely with LINK and Cash Access UK to support in any way necessary to secure a solution for my constituents. This cannot wait,” said Mr Stafford.