Metro Bank is being urged to open a new branch in Cheam Village following the impending closure of a Santander bank within the area.

More than 1,200 are at risk following the announcement of closures nationwide by the Spain-based banking giant early last month.

The 140 branches set to shut before the end of 2019 are ones which are infrequently visited by customers or near to others, according to Santander.

Both Santander outlets in Cheam and Worcester Park were among them, being given a closing date scheduled for June 6 and 20 respectively.

But while councillors Elliot Colburn, Eric Allen and Holly Ramsey are petitioning to keep the branch in their ward open, they’re also urging Metro Bank to consider Cheam Village too.

READ: Santander bank's Cheam and Worcester Park branches set to close

In an open letter to Metro Bank’s chief executive Craig Donaldson, they said: “You may be aware but Cheam Village is about to lose the last bank in town.

“We are campaigning with residents in an attempt to save it, but we fear the worst.

“This will leave vulnerable people and cash-reliant businesses in the area in a very difficult position. Whilst Sutton may not be very far away, the inability to park near a bank makes it difficult for vulnerable people, or business, that pop in at the end of the day to quickly deposit cash.

“However, it came to our attention that Metro Bank may be looking to open new branches. If this is the case, we would be very happy to meet and discuss the benefits of having a branch in Cheam Village.

“We know that for many people in Cheam, having a bank branch local to them is very important and may vote with their feet should a branch be available in the village.”

Following the closure of the Cheam Village and Worcester Park branches, the next closest Santander banks are based in Epsom and Sutton high streets, as well as Woodcote Road in Wallington.

The bank says it's in talks with unions about finding alternative roles for the approximately 1,270 employees set to be affected by the major move.

A Metro Bank spokeswoman said: “We’re grateful to the Cheam councillors for bringing this to our attention. 
“While we don’t have any imminent plans to open in the Cheam area, we’re always on the lookout for new sites to bring the banking revolution to.”