MP John Healey is carrying out a ‘health check’ of Wath businesses to help him argue for the village to get an injection of investment.

Just over a year ago, Yorkshire Bank and HSBC announced they were shutting their branches in Wath.

Despite strong concerns and objections being raised by residents and the MP – who also held meetings with bank bosses and collected a 1,200 name petition – the closures went ahead, leaving Wath without a bank.

Since then a number of shops have closed and footfall has decreased.

John said: “I want to find out how local business owners and managers think the banks closing has affected Wath.

“The answers will help me build up a general picture of the health of Wath’s businesses, and find out what they think could be done to improve the village’s prospects and encourage more people to shop here.”

The survey explores how shop owners are feeling about their business and the future, the impact of the bank closures and what businesses want the council to do to bring in more visitors.

John added: “I really welcome businesses taking the time to let me have their views. I expect their answers to show that Wath needs some extra help and I’ll use this information to fight for that from the council.”

The MP has delivered more than 60 surveys in and around the village centre and at the market.

  • The survey can also be completed online here.