CAMPAIGNERS and election candidates in Corringham took part in a morning of action in Corringham, gathering signatures for a petition which it is hoped will help persuade Lloyds Bank not to close the town's only remaining bank.

Lloyds have given an assurance to local MP Stepehen Metcalfe that they may not close the branch, where the shutters are scheduled to come down for the last time in August, until a new Post Office is found for the town.

The Post Office closed on Wednesday, 15 February and Post Office managers have been deadpan about what will happen, with no public comment on reported applications to take over or indication of when or where a new office might open.

However, campaigners believe it is essential the issue be kept in the public spotlight and that pressure is maintained on Lloyds.

Hence Friday's (28 April) collection of signatures.

Among those who gathered in the town to lobby residents and collect signatures were leading local campaigners Peter O'Rourke, Tony Sharp and Carol Sharp, while election candidates Roy Jones (non-aligned Independent - Stanford East and Corringham Town ward), John Fox (Thurrock Independent Group) who is standing in Corringham and Fobbing. Candidates Gary Byrne (Thurrock Independent Group – The Homesteads) and John Cecil (Labour - Stanford East and Corringham Town) also attended.

The petition says: "We are appealing in the strongest terms against the closure of our only local bank.

The residents of Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope and its surrounding areas rely on having our only place of banking , along with the benefits of human face-to-face contact, to remain.

"It is not only the elderly population of this area that needs this vital support with their monies but also struggling local businesses.

"Not everyone is capable or wants to switch to mobile/internet banking.

"Accentures research showed 44% of over 55s still would rather visit a branch and a fifth of 18-34 year-olds still preferred to do their banking in person.

"We also have no local Post Office that helped support people with cash deposits and withdrawals and bill payments.

"This move will be devastating to our community, its people and its independent businesses.

"In this cost of living crisis it is more important than ever that you do not withdraw this support in helping people cope with bills and advice and managing their money.

"We urge Lloyds Bank to investigate and rethink this decision to close the Corringham branch."