VIDEO: OAP Colin's not "banking" on his song saving local Barclays

Colin Scott (74) used a child’s keyboard and acoustic guitar to produce Bank Song in a bid to stop the closure of the Stag Roundabout branch — earmarked for November 27 due to a fall in customer visits.

Retired joiner Colin, of Brecklands, said: “It’s not the best production job in the world, but it’s done its job, it’s got their attention.

“I got an email response from Matt Hammerstein, he’s the CEO of Barclays.”

The music man, who bought the child’s keyboard on Amazon by mistake, spent four days making the tune and went for attention-grabbing “novelty impact”.

Explaining why the Stag branch was a lifeline to him, he said: “It’s my bank where I do my banking, pay my bills — if that closes I am a little bit stuck.

“I don’t fancy using my telephone or computer for banking; I don’t trust it, I’d get ripped off.

“I do go into town but having had a stroke my mobility isn’t brilliant.

“Whether something will come out of this song, I don’t know.”

After sending the song to bosses at the bank, Colin was surprised to receive a response from Barclays UK CEO Matt Hammerstein.

In his email response, Mr Hammerstein thanked Colin for the “time and care” it had taken to create “such a thoughtful song”.

The banker also said he had never received a song from a customer before — adding: “You have certainly made an impact on me and others who are keen to help find the best way we can serve you going forward.”

Colin began writing songs last year to help fill his retirement.

“I have written a few, none of which have got anywhere,” added Colin.

“I enjoy doing it, it gives me an awful lot of pleasure — I’ve even built up a fan club in the area.

“I’ve been talking to neighbours and giving them CDs.

"The first one I wrote was for Christmas last year. I mentioned it to a girl in Tesco Rotherham. I gave her it on CD and she said she would play it over the tannoy — and she did!”

“It was called Yes, It’s Christmas Time Again.

“Every time I go to Tesco they ask me about it. My neighbour asked me for another one, so this year I’ve written, We Love Christmas Time.”

Colin started playing the guitar when he was ten years old but has never played a live gig.

“A friend, who is a drummer, keeps badgering me to do an open mic night in Ravenfield, but I can’t play the guitar well enough to do that,” he added.

Steve Ness, Barclays market leader, said: “We’re really grateful for Mr Scott reaching out to us in this novel way and we totally understand his concerns around the branch closure.

“We’ve been in discussions with him about ways to bank once the branch has closed and we’re engaging with all our customers to ensure they can continue to manage their money and receive financial expertise when required.”

To hear Colin’s back catalogue, visit https://www.colinscott.net/ 

BANK SONG LYRICS

I Know You Will Ignore This Claim

I Know You Don't Know My Name

All The Same Please Realise

Your Decision Blights My Life

Mr Banker Will You Please

Listen To My Heartfelt Plea

The Branch That You Intend To Shut

Is For Me A Lifeline Cut

It Nestles On The Corner Near

Providing Service Through The Year

I Don't Know What On Earth To Do

With No One There To Turn To

Whenever I Must Pay My Bills

I Trundle Down With Time To Kill

Invariably There Is A Queue

Others Value Service Too

Super Staff Friendly Faces

Help Me Out In All The Cases

Too Much Trouble? No, It's Not!

Dealt With Properly On The Spot

Bankers Read The Bottom Line

Making Sure It Turns Out Fine

Human Beings Matter Too

Goodness Gracious We Need You

Will You Please Do A U-Turn

Of This I Would Love To Learn

Governments Do It, Banker Could

Keep It In Our Neighbourhood

Despite The Options That You Show

It Comes Just Like A Body Blow

I Cannot Use The 'Net Or Phone

Or Visit Town All On My Own

I Know You Will Ignore This Claim

I Know You Don't Know My Name

All The Same Please Realise

Your Decision Blights My Life