23rd February 2011
Are bank closures impacting on rural life in Lincs?
The impact of bank and building society closures on small rural communities in Lincolnshire is being studied by a postgraduate student at The University of Nottingham.
Stacey Coppock, a PhD student in the University’s School of Geography is appealing for residents from across the South Holland district to come forward and take part in the research, by speaking about their experiences of accessing and using financial services in their everyday lives.
The study aims to establish how rural services have changed in recent years and examine the impact that closures of bank and building society branches may have had on people living in village communities.
“Those living in rural areas often find it more difficult to access key services,” said Stacey. “The lack of rural bank and building society branches, the decline in village Post Offices and poor public transport links have meant that routine activities now take twice as long and require journeys twice as far.”
Participants will be asked to take part in a short interview and also to keep a diary after each time they access and use services such as banks, building societies and Post Offices. They will not be asked specific details regarding their personal financial situation.
Stacey added: “This is a chance for the people of South Holland to contribute to a study which will demonstrate whether financial services are essential for creating — and supporting — vibrant and sustainable rural communities.”
The study will last one month and participants will receive £20 as thanks and to compensate them for their time.
The findings of the research will contribute to policy debate around the provision of rural services.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Stacey on 07707 195 906 or e-mail her at stacey.coppock@gmail.com for further information and details on how to get involved.