Victory as NatWest bank granted reprieve Town Talk
THE NatWest bank in Snodland has been given a reprieve after being threatened with closure on two days a week. Customers were warned six months ago that
the branch would be closing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Town Talk reported in April that the change
of hours had caused an uproar in the
town.MP Tracey Crouch, Snodland Town Council, the chamber of commerce and many local resi- dents protested. A spokesperson for NatWest told Town Talk:
“We are constantly reviewing our network and the customer demand at all of our branches, including Snodland. “There are no plans to reduce the opening
hours at Snodland in the near future, but we will monitor how often and at what times the branch is used on a regular basis.” In our original story we reported that the change of opening hours in Snodland reflected
GP pays tribute to former colleague
the times when customer demand is highest. At other times, customers could get a full branch offering at the Larkfield branch, just over threemiles away. Customers could also use mobile phone ap- plications, online and telephone banking serv- ices and the use of the post office to pay bills, withdraw cash and check balances. MsCrouch was “delighted” to hear the news.
She said: “As the town’s only bank many local people and businesses rely on this branch for their day to day banking. I joined councillors in raising these concerns with NatWest in recent letters andmeetings. “It is welcome news that NatWest have lis-
tened to our concerns and will continue to re- main open on all working days of the week.” Anne Moloney, chairman of Snodland Town Council, said the bank had clearly looked at the concerns expressed by the town council, chamber of commerce and the MP.
She said: “It is great news that the bank has
acted on our concerns. Local action really has had a result. Now we need to work with NatWest to see the branch upgraded with modern technology to serve the community ef- fectively for the future. “It is very important that local people use the
bank and, where the services they want are not provided, to express concern.” Alan Totham, chairman of the chamber of commerce, said: “We are very pleased that NatWest have taken on board the various points that we have put to them regarding the need for our only bank to remain open for five days a week. “Many of our members bank with NatWest because of their presence within the town and they will be delighted that common sense has prevailed. Hopefully we can now look forward to NatWest investing in and computerising the branch.”
Pupils’ run for funds
DR COLIN Wilcox-Jones, who worked at the medical centre in Snodland from 1973 to 2004 has died, aged 68. He graduated from Edin-
burgh University, lived in Orp- ington and was a ship’s doctor on Blue Star Line before com- ing to Snodland. He loved classic cars, was a member of the Jaguar Owners Club and drove an E-Type Jaguar. After leaving Snodland he worked as a locum doctor in West Malling, Leybourne and Maidstone and was often seen cycling around the area. Dr David Colin-Jones, senior partner at the practice, said he was tremendously committed to his work and would go out of his way to help people.” A book of condolences has
been opened at the front desk of the medical centre at Catts Alley, off Malling Road. Dr Wilcox-Jones is survived
by his wife Angela, two daugh- ters, three grandsons and one grand daughter.
SNODLAND Church of England Primary School held a sponsored run to raise money for books for its new library and combined the event with a coffeemorning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support All the children took part in the run on the school
field and at the time Town Talk went to press, it was not known how much had been donated, although over £300 was raised for the charity. Head teacher Holley Blount thanked everybody
who had attended, as well as those who donated cakes to be sold. “We were overwhelmed by the number of people
who attended and how generous everybody was,” she said.
Trolley dash prize is warm welcome for Vicky
THE winner of the second Co-operative Group trolley dash had only been in the shop twice before she moved to Snodland. Vicky White who, with husband, Keith, lived in Ec-
cles, has nowmoved to Malling Road. She said: “Because I was moving to Snodland I
came in as I knew it would be my local shop.” Helped by her daughterCharlotte Wroe, ofCantium
Place, Snodland, Vicky scooped shopping worth £125 in her one-minute dash, and the store raised £1,125 for the Carers Trust charity. Vicky and Charlotte are pictured with Chris Warne and Carole Fisher.
Local news for Snodland and Halling
A Downs Mail supplement produced in conjunction with the Snodland Chamber of Commerce.
Full or sessional day care from 3 months to 5 years old
This purpose-built, community based childcare facility in school grounds.
Open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm all year
For further information or to arrange a visit please call: 01634 244460 or e-mail
ldn.info@
onebillnet.co.uk
sessions for
FREE 3-5 year olds
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40