A local activist has criticised the lack of in-person banking services in Bredbury and Woodley.

Liberal Democrat activist Dan Willis has called for additional banking services in the Bredbury and Woodley areas, after figures from the Post Office showed that more than 65% of services in Hazel Grove have been lost in recent years.

Mr Willis has requested that Link, which runs the UK's cash machine network and is responsible for ensuring a basic level of access to banking services, run an "access to cash review" in the area.

Mr Willis said: "Proper banking services are needed, both to make it easier for local businesses, and to help people who find it harder to go further to get to a bank."

He added: "For people who are already isolated, particularly older people or those with disabilities, this lack of service is a double whammy. It's simple – we need more."

The lack of physical bank branches is a nationwide issue. In September the NatWest Group announced plans to shut 143 branches in 2023/24.

Local politicians are currently pushing for deposit services to be opened in Marple and other areas.

Lisa Smart, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Hazel Grove, said: "We've been pushing for the recommended deposit service in Marple to be opened, and it's great that activists like Dan are putting pressure on Link to deliver more services in more places.

"We need local MPs who are fighting to make sure local services like this are delivered."

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