Ludlow MP Philip Dunne to meet bank giant HSBC over closures
A Shropshire MP is still to meet with HSBC over the closure of branches in rural towns in the region.
Philip Dunne MP was thought to be meeting with bosses of the banking giant last Friday, but due to a mix up the meeting is in fact this coming Friday, he has now clarified.
Mr Dunne said he will be "making the case for maintaining a physical presence to access banking services for customers across the Ludlow Constituency" as HSBC plans to close branches in both Ludlow and Knighton in May.
Kington, across the border in Herefordshire, no longer has any banks as its HSBC branch closed in recent weeks.
Since 2012 HSBC has closed branches in Craven Arms and Church Stretton, but has assured it has no plans to close branch in Bishop's Castle, where it is the last bank in town.
Mr Dunne said "I recognise that technology is transforming the way many people access their bank account these days.
"Mobile and online banking has become the norm for many residents and businesses in using their bank's services.
"But in areas like south Shropshire, with a higher proportion of elderly people, and variable levels of connectivity, a physical bank branch remains an important service to the community.
"I commend those banks who are committed to maintaining their rural branch networks.
"I am meeting with HSBC to discuss their plans to close their Ludlow branch. I understand banks make decisions to close branches based on commercial performance, but I will be making the case for maintaining a physical presence to access banking services for customers across the Ludlow constituency."
Francesca McDonagh, head of retail banking for the UK, said previously that use of high street branches was falling dramatically, with more than 90 percent of customer interactions now through their digital channels.
"We will have fewer but better branches, with more empowered front line colleagues using a greater range of technology to support all our customers' needs," she said.
