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Ray :) | all galleries >> Challenges >> October 2018: Scavenger Hunt > The Last Day
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12-OCT-2018 20181012_2I8A_4985std

The Last Day

West Byfleet, Surrey view map

for "non-political commentary"

Today, yet another bank is closing. This time it is the West Byfleet branch of Barclays which is the first bank I ever remember entering, as it was parent's bank when we were growing up. I think the building dates from 1907.

There is a strong possibility that the building will survive since it lies within a conservation area.

But online banking has killed off so many banks in communities - here in West Byfleet, this is the third bank to disappear this year and now only Lloyds will be left. The next village, Byfleet, is suffering likewise. Its last bank closes next month.

Coupled with widespread pub closures and the deterioration in local public transport this is does not help the silent problem of loneliness and social isolation.


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LynnH19-Oct-2018 02:36
I bet there are 60 banks in my town. But only one pub. There is a city ordinance against bars and the only one was grandfathered, built before city annexed that area. It can't expand. Restaurants serve alcohol, but you don't get a pub/local bar atmosphere and not an atmosphere for creating friendships and acquaintances. V
Mieke WA Minkjan18-Oct-2018 09:14
so true Ray what you are writing about the silent problem of social isolation
great photo to illustrate this... V
John Vass13-Oct-2018 05:51
Wow! So just one bank and maybe soon no banks will have a physical presence in your area?
That is sad. I am kinda be of like Laine when I can but it’s not always a option.
Also Walter makes a good point! Our little towns around here seem to have a lot of new micro breweries and brew pubs too that seem to be thriving. Some of them opening on the same block opening at the same time. The old standby bar in our little town “The Oasis” moved to a bigger space and the parking lot is full on Friday afternoon and Saturday night, actually most of the time.
Wonder what will happen hen this building is vacant… We have empty shopping centers from the crash of 2008.
Do you think “they” are out to keep “us” drunk and broke?
What a world! Keep us updated.
Dennis Hoyne13-Oct-2018 00:14
There is so much change going on world wide driven by the internet. An excellent image, Ray! V
Walter Otto Koenig12-Oct-2018 21:26
Interesting commentary. I can see the banks closing, but the pubs? Strangely, banks seem to thrive here and so do micro breweries and brew pubs. Yet we have practically no public transport. That role is filled by Uber and Lyft.
laine12-Oct-2018 20:02
I don't do online purchasing, I don't go through the self serve checkouts, I don't do online banking or payments...seems there are less of us and more of them....just a few of many things society will regret one day, but as we know it rarely comes back to how it used to be...when did you last see a horse drawn vehicle :)
carol j. phipps12-Oct-2018 19:45
Stately bldg. Good pov. What’s happening that so many places are closing? Sounds sad, for sure.