Ludlow MP Philip Dunne seeks urgent talks over HSBC branch closure

, Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, has requested talks with the banking giant.

HSBC plans to transfer administration of accounts in Ludlow to its Leominster branch after the closure and in Knighton some day-to-day banking services are planned to be available at Knighton Post Office. Both are due to close on May 19.

Mr Dunne said: "I am very disappointed by this latest decision to close a bank branch in Ludlow.

"While I understand this reflects the changing needs of customers in the 21st century, with more and more people using mobile or online banking, local banks provide a vital service, especially for the vulnerable and the elderly who have not adapted to today's technology or who need personal assistance to conduct transactions or get advice.

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with HSBC as soon as possible, to seek more information about their decision to remove their branch in Ludlow, and how they will support customers who cannot travel and the staff currently working in the branch."

The bank said 90 per cent of its interactions with customers were now digital – an 80 per cent rise on last year – while the number of customers using branches has dropped by nearly 40 per cent in the past five years.

But Andy Boddington, Shropshire councillor for Ludlow North, said: "Many local farmers and business owners still rely on face-to-face banking. We're seeing a lot of branch closures with the loss of our rural banks and I wouldn't be surprised if we see more over the coming years – and I think it will really damage our town centre."

Ludlow currently also has Barclays, Lloyds, Natwest and Nationwide branches.

Tish Dockerty, secretary of Ludlow Chamber of Commerce, said: "It's the first big high street bank we have lost, I hope that's not a sign of things to come. A lot of smaller towns have lost their bank branches, I think we're lucky to have what we have in Ludlow – a lot of people now come to Ludlow to do their banking."

Since 2012 HSBC has closed branches in nearby Craven Arms, Church Stretton and also Ellesmere. The bank says it has no plans to close its other branches in south Shropshire in Bishop's Castle, where it is the last bank in town, or Bridgnorth.

Joyce Watson, Labour AM for Mid and West Wales, said the closure of four branches in her area, including Knighton, was "remorseless".

She said: "How many more? After the banking crisis and the bail-outs, you would have thought the big banks would have a greater sense of public service, of obligation to their customers – clearly not."