Ashley Gray, South East Cornwall's Con-servative PPC, was in Polperro on Friday, talking to residents and traders alike on the day that Barclays closed the door of its branch there for the last time, leaving the village without a bank.
He says many people voiced their concerns about the lack of a cash point and he is now campaigning to try and get the bank to invest in one.
'I felt people's frustration and agreed with them that this is a ludicrous situation' he said. 'It was a sad day with the atmosphere of an end to an era. The personal service villagers had enjoyed over many years from staff they knew well was going, but typically of the community they wished them well and beseiged them with flowers all day long, which were stacked up behind the bank's counter'. He criticised Barclays for not having the same regard for its customers and for not sending a representative to the village to explain why they were closing, which he said was poor management.
Mr Gray says that it must be common sense for Barclays to consider a cash point for Polperro. 'This would be a small investment for the bank' he said. 'The tourist season in Cornwall is a long one and Polperro is a key destination for thousands of visitors. Thus a 'whole in the wall' would be well used'.
He said he has also contacted Nationwide who are drawing up plans to set up 70 cash machines in areas where Barclays have closed as he is determined that no stone must remain unturned in the campaign to secure a cashpoint for Polperro.
In a letter to Barclays chairman, Sir Peter Middleton, Mr Gray described Polperro as one of the most famous fishing villages in the world with its very survival depending on the fishing industry, tourism and small business. 'The unique geography of our Cornish coast means that no cars are used in the village. The car park is a good 15 minute walk and Looe a further 20 minute drive' he wrote. 'Parking in Looe is limited. Bus services are practically non existent. I urge Barclays to consider investing in a cash point in Polperro'.