Cllr Mike Katz branded Lloyds TSB in Kilburn High Road ‘arrogant’

A branch of a bank bailed out by the tax payer has been branded ‘arrogant’ after it ignored requests to discuss putting up a bench for the elderly outside its shop.

Pensioners Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE) has put up two seating areas along the busy Kilburn High Road to provide shoppers with a much needed respite, and is hoping to put a third up outside the Lloyds TSB branch.

But Kove and Cllr Katz (Lab: Kilburn ward) claim that they have repeatedly tried to get in touch with the bank to discuss the idea – but these have been met with a wall of silence.

Cllr Mike Katz said: “I am disappointed. I’ve tried writing, calling, emailing – but to no avail.

“It shows a complete arrogance to ignore a simple community issue like this, especially considering that Lloyds TSB benefitted from a �17billion tax payer bailout.

“They say a refusal may offend, but blanking local councillors, residents and customers is down right rude.

“I hope Lloyds TSB Kilburn branch think again and pick up the phone.”

In October 2008 Lloyds TSB received �17bil of public money in one of the UK’s largest ever rescue packages.

Mel Right, Kove Coordinator, said they first wrote to the branch last summer and even offered to name the bank on the bench’s plaque if they agreed, but have heard nothing.

He said: “We were very disappointed. It is the ideal spot for people to sit down. And it would mean they are doing something for the community.”

A Lloyds TSB spokewoman was unable to say why the branch had failed to respond, but added: “We would be very happy to consider the request for a bench near the Lloyds TSB branch. Unfortunately, however, the team that need to review the proposal have yet to see the full detail.”

The benches, which cost �900 each, have been funded by the Kilburn Area Forum in Camden.