THE Yorkshire Bank in Richmond and HSBC in Leyburn are to close and relocate some distance away with the result that if we wish to avail ourselves of their services we face a long journey to the new location.

It would appear that the decision to move on was no doubt influenced by the difficult trading conditions that prevail nowadays – trading conditions brought on by their own wanton profligate prodigal method of handling money.

It can be no coincidence that the severity of Government spending cuts has been exacerbated by the exchequer's commitment to provide funds to rescue some banks from bankruptcy.

Now while campaigners fight to save the tattered remnants of treasured facilities like our hospitals, our community care facilities and our libraries, the banks are deserting our market squares and high streets leaving a large building to go derelict.

But should this be so? Surely if these banks desert our towns there is an opportunity for enterprising entrepreneurs to move in and start a new bank? An independent bank run by local people solely for the benefit of local customers.

I would like to hear comments from the people who operate Yorkshire Bank in Richmond and HSBC in Leyburn - if you were a stand-alone bank retaining your account holders and customers could you operate an independent bank – could you be a profitable proposition?

I would like to think this letter motivates a healthy discussion among readers and results in a positive result of a local independent, greed free, sleaze free and corruption free bank where there are no executive suits whose only concern is accepting grossly obscene amounts of money in bonuses.

And for what reason? It wasn’t for management skills or entrepreneurial flair or fiscal or monetary skills.

Douglas Garnet Dempster, Leyburn.