Politicians join campaign against bank closure

Craig Williams, MP for Montgomeryshire, and member of the Welsh parliament, Russell George say they have called for meetings with the regional representatives of the banking giant.

HSBC have today announced plans to close 82 of its branches across the UK, including its Welshpool branch. The branch is expected to close on September 24.

Craig Williams MP said it was an enormous blow to customers.

"Over the counter services are extremely important to many customers who prefer not to bank online, or who are unable to. It is vital that HSBC makes it a top priority to discuss new arrangements with its customers, in order to lessen the impact of this decision as far as possible if the bank decides to force its proposals through.

“Whilst I am pleased that HSBC has reached an agreement with the Post Office in Welshpool to allow its personal and business customers to conduct a range of banking services over the counter, this does not fully compensate for the closure of a personalised and local branch."

Mr George pledged to campaign with the local community to protect face-to-face banking services.

"This would be the latest in a long line of bank branch closures across Montgomeryshire and customers must be consulted before these changes are forced through.

"Another bank branch closure will not only have a detrimental impact on the bank's loyal staff and customers, especially those who are elderly and disabled, but it will also have implications for the local business community, for Welshpool as a town, and for the reputation of HSBC.

"I will also be asking the Welsh Government to exert some pressure to ensure that an adequate alternative solution is found before any permanent closure takes place. It is clear to me that the transfer of banking services to the Post Office and mobile or online banking doesn’t replace permanent over the counter facilities."