Bank customers get organised

DISGRUNTLED bank customers are mobilising themselves into action groups across the country.

Stuart Cliff, a business consultant who started the Association of Bank Customers (ABC) on behalf of some clients says he has had 1,000 applications since he set up the organisation in June.

ABC has set up a helpline that members can call for advice on their problems.

Mr Cliff says he is aware of several other fledgling groups of banking consumer groups and he is contacting them, perhaps with a view to amalgamating into one organisation.

Among them is the Bank Action Group, whose aims include lobbying the Government for legislation to 'curb the banks' powers and regulate their practices'. It also aims to persuade them to set up accessible complaints systems so that customers have a fair hearing before action is taken on their accounts.

People can register for membership of the ABC by sending their name and address and a cheque or postal order for pounds 5 to the organisation at Llantony Secunda Manor, Church Road, Caldicot, Gwent NP6 4HT.

The Action Group can be contacted on 0995 61049 or 0487 843444.