HORNSEY traders are up in arms over plans to close a Priory Road bank.

Shop owners in the Priory Road and Park Road area are fearful that the imminent closure of HSBC could spell the beginning of the end for the small parade of shops. They believe that it could lead to a decrease in their trade and stop people visiting the area.

Mario Petrou, who owns party shop Presentations in Park Road, is heading the campaign and has organised a public meeting for February.

He spoke to the Independent on Wednesday and voiced his concerns that the closure of HSBC could be followed by the closure of the post office.

He said: "It would have an enormous effect on the area.

"It will be very difficult for a parade that has always had a bank to live without one."

Barbara Roche, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, has added her support to the campaign and, in a letter to HSBC chairman Sir John Bond, she said: "Given the implications for residents and local businesses in the area, I am extremely concerned about this proposed closure.

"I ask that HSBC reconsider this decision with a view to retaining this branch."

A spokesman for HSBC confirmed that currently the bank is going to close on February 28. He said: "We get about a fifth of the number of customers we would expect for the branch.

"It is not the sort of decision we take lightly but the time is right as the lease is running out soon."

The public meeting is at 7pm on Monday, February 10, at St George's with St Mary's Church in Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill.

January 31, 2003 10:01