A PETITION has been started to save a bank branch in North Harrow amid claims its closure will be another blow to businesses and customers.

Lloyds TSB's announcement that it will close the Station Road premises on December 17 prompted the Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas, to start a campaign calling on the firm to reverse its decision.

Last Friday, Mr Thomas distributed 1,000 leaflets to commuters outside North Harrow Tube station, in Station Road, and placed petitions in many local shops.

Mr Thomas said: "Having the bank there did create extra footfall for other businesses, and with it going I'm worried for other businesses in the North Harrow area.

"There's clearly a lot of concern about the message it sends.

"Some shops are struggling and some are in better shape, but it's not ideal.

"Lloyds TSB said the closure was due to 'business reasons' and one of the reasons why I want to meet them is to try to explain a bit more about whether there is any flexibility in their decision at all.

"The petition will send a strong signal to Lloyds TSB about the strength of feeling about them going and also to send a signal to Harrow Council that there's a need for urgent discussions at a council level with the business community about the future of the shopping centre and what else there is that can be done to keep these businesses viable."

Rashmi Pandya, manager of Harrisons Newsagents in Broadway Parade, Pinner Road, said: "At one time we had all four big banks, NatWest, Barclays and so on, and the other remaining bank closed a few years back.

"By closing the bank, people will have nowhere to bank as such and it will have an impact on businesses in North Harrow. People, if they come to bank, are more likely to come into the shop to get a newspaper or a packet of crisps."

Harrisons Newsagents is one of the stores keeping a copy of the petition on the counter.

Ms Pandya added: "I've got four pages of signatures already. Everyone who has signed the petition is very disappointed and said, 'Oh, it's another blow'."