Sir – News that the Co-operative Bank is to take over Witney’s Cheltenham & Gloucester branch next year is very much welcome.
Not only because it hopefully secures the jobs of the C&G staff but it also gives Witney residents a real choice over their banking. As a Co-op Bank customer for over 20 years I have long been impressed by their principles and ethics along with their excellent customer service.
A co-operative is not about making profits for shareholders – it’s a group of people acting together to meet the common needs and aspirations of its members, sharing ownership and democratically making decisions.
With Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne reluctant to tackle excessive bankers’ bonuses, the Government unable to get banks lending to small businesses and the scandalous behaviour of certain high street banks, at least customers in Witney can take a positive stance and not allow their money to be at the mercy of greedy and reckless opportunists.
Cllr Andrew Coles, Labour — Witney Central ward, West Oxfordshire District Council
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here