MP demands answers after Thame banking hub bid rejected again

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 06:20 · Archive

LINK has rejected a bid for a banking hub in Thame for a second time, prompting MP Freddie van Mierlo to demand answers.

LINK has rejected a second bid for a dedicated banking hub in Thame, prompting MP Freddie van Mierlo to voice his frustration with the decision-making process. At an initial meeting, LINK suggested that assessors would visit Thame and meet with local representatives, but Mr van Mierlo says this did not happen.

Instead, the assessment appears to have been conducted as a 'desktop exercise', which Mr van Mierlo argues failed to understand the town's needs and character. He has demanded answers from LINK about why an in-person assessment was not carried out and has asked for a list of the cash businesses LINK identified in its evaluation.

Mr van Mierlo argues that local knowledge is essential for an accurate assessment. 'We need to know if they've got their sums right,' he said. 'Local people know Thame the best and we need to be in a position to correct the record and make the case for a banking hub.'

The rejection is particularly frustrating for the MP given that Henley, a similarly sized town in his constituency, recently received a banking hub. Mr van Mierlo questions why Thame does not qualify given the similarities between the two towns.

How it is being reported

• MP hits out after Thame banking hub bid rejected againFresh calls have been made for a dedicated banking hub in Thame.Oxfordshire Guardian · 1 Nov, 05:00
• MP hits out after Thame banking hub bid rejected againFresh calls have been made for a dedicated banking hub in Thame.Oxford Mail · 1 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Freddie van Mierlo · Thame Town Council · LINK · Thame · Henley

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