Portobello Road traders say the closure of one of their two banks has had a big impact on business in the crucial run-up to Christmas.
HSBC shut on Friday, leaving the market dependent on two Santander machines that are quickly emptied, retailers say. "By the time HSBC closed at 3pm only one Santander ATM had any cash and it soon ran out," said Portobello Market campaigner Marion Gettelson.
"Saturday should have been buzzing but turned out quieter than usual. Huge queues for the Santander ATMs were blocking shops."
The loss is particularly damaging as many traders do not accept payment by card. HSBC had claimed its machines in Notting Hill Gate would serve the market, but Mrs Gettelson said people would not walk 20 minutes against the flow of visitors.
Kensington MP Sir Malcolm Rifkind is lobbying to keep the branch open. An HSBC spokesman said: "We are committed to leaving an ATM in Portobello. We did find a location that we were comfortable with but local residents were not. We do have some other locations which are with the local authority."
