SIR: I would like to know if the readers of BEN have ever tried to open a 'simple bank account' these days.

I tried to open a bank account at several banks, and building societies, without success, in Bolton town centre. I was treated like a criminal, asked if I had a driving licence or passport. I can't drive, I don't go abroad. The next thing I was asked was if I had a bill with my name and address. I have a free bus pass with my photo in it and my address. I showed it to every bank and building society, they told me that my bus pass was no good as ID.

I was about to give up when I tried one more time in the Yorkshire Building Society in Bolton town centre. I was treated with respect, nothing was too much trouble, I was given a cash card on the spot, no questions asked. They have helped me in every way with my account.

All the other banks and building societies have the opinion that they are doing you a favour, banking your own money, if they will let you open an account that is.

If you are having trouble with the staff or cannot understand the way they handle your money, please remember it is your money and not the bank's or building society's.

Mr P Crook

Sunnygarth, Westhoughton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.