Very sad news that Barclay's Bank will shortly be closing its doors for the last time. As a growing Town I think it only reasonable that we should have access to face to face banking services. Not everyone has the ability to avail themselves of online banking - especially the elderly and I know that many small businesses will be seriously inconvenienced. Sadly I am sure that Barclay's have made their decision and there will be little that we can do to change their minds. However I still think that we should do all that we can to protest the decision, which could include closing down any accounts that may be held with Barclays. I have informed Sir Oliver Heald and asked that he make whatever representations he can on our behalf. He has written to Barclays protesting the decision but at the time of writing has received no reply. I do believe that there should be some initiative whereby the only Bank in a Town cannot be allowed to close - even if this means a Government subsidy to keep it open.

I understand that Wardens have been patrolling the Town issuing £80 on the spot fines for littering. This is great news and I sincerely hope that it continues.

On this note there is a nationwide Great British Clean Up initiative running from 22 March to 23 April - with a special focus on plastic waste. I will work with the Town Council and Buntingford in Transition to see what we can do as a Town to be a part of this.

There is a new Government initiative called The Future High Street Fund. This is an essential part of the Government's plan for the High Street, providing co-funding towards capital projects that bring transformative change. They want to see the regeneration of town centres through innovative proposals around transport, housing delivery and public services. This is something that Buntingford must try to get involved with and I have spoken to Cllr Jones to ensure that we are in at the 'expression of interest' stage.

Graham Bonner, Chairman, Buntingford Civic Society

If you have any queries about Buntingford Civic Society or issues you would like to raise, you can email the Chairman direct at chairman@buntingfordcivic.org.uk.