A MALVERN man’s protest against his building society ended amicably when he agreed to release himself from the padlock and chain securing him to a disabled access post in the building.

Graham Jones, from West Malvern, has had a long-running dispute with Nationwide, based in Worcester Road, Great Malvern, over the sum of £325.

He arrived at the building society yesterday at about 10am and proceeded to attach himself to the post, just inside the building, with a chain around his wrist. Staff and customers looked on as Mr Jones pulled up a chair and informed them he would not be moved.

He said: “They have apologised so many times but never got anywhere with it. This is two-and-a-half years it has been going on.”

The 56-year-old trade decided to end his protest after the police were called shortly afterwards.

He emerged, smiling, at 10.40am, and said: “It was not my point to be hauled out of the place kicking and screaming, but it has to be done and if it’s not resolved I will come back and do it again.”

The money Mr Jones believes is owed to him relates to a loan taken out with Bank of Scotland and repaid using his Nationwide account.

Spokesman for Nationwide Rachel Jensen said: “We’re working hard to resolve the issue and we’re sorry that Mr Jones felt he had to take the action he has.”