Because the Ordnance Survey are sponsoring Geograph out of their 2005 budget, they need to spend it this month!

Anticipating this, we set the ball rolling on opening a bank account for Geograph many weeks ago with Abbey. Every week I called for an update, only be told “you’ll get your account number within a week Mr Dixon”. Last week they told me something new – could be *two* weeks, plus another five days to send my information pack out. They couldn’t possibly tell me my account number over the phone. Oh no. Data Protection Act you see. Data Protection my arse.

So the Abbey have the lost the opportunity of some positive PR from Geograph. They may offer free banking but if you want an account within 6 weeks I’d steer clear.

I’ve now tried NatWest (current slogan: Another Way) and the local branch in Hitchin couldn’t have been more helpful, figuring out exactly how they could get the account open asap. I picked up the forms last wednesday and did a full circuit of the M25 that night to get a signature from Geograph co-developer Barry Hunter. Took the forms back to the branch on Thursday.

It’s now Monday and I have the account details! Well done NatWest! There is Another Way!