Fears for Shropshire's rural banks as HSBC closes another branch

HSBC has announced it will be closing its Church Stretton branch in April, the latest in a line of closures in Shropshire's towns in recent years.

Since 2012 HSBC has closed branches in nearby Craven Arms, and also Ellesmere.

It now runs Bishop's Castle's only bank after Barclays closed there in 2012.

The HSBC branch at Church Stretton will close its doors on April 17, leaving only Barclays and Lloyds in the town.

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said he was "seeking reassurance" about the future of other bank branches in the area.

He said: "I regret HSBC's decision to close their Church Stretton branch.

"Access to banking services are vital in rural communities like Shropshire.

"This decision, coupled with recent branch closures in Bishop's Castle, Craven Arms and reduced hours in Much Wenlock, is cause for concern."

David Evans, Shropshire councillor for Craven Arms and Church Stretton and an HSBC customer himself, said he regularly went to Church Stretton since the closure of the bank's Craven Arms branch, where his business Cyril Bason Poultry is based.

"In Church Stretton there are a lot of businesses that use HSBC.

"I know they talk about banking online, but a lot of people like to see someone, talk to them and pay in their money face to face.

"And how are you supposed to attract new businesses to the town if there's no bank there?" he said.

Emma Fahy, speaking for HSBC, said: "We have seen a 30 per cent reduction in customer footfall over the last four years.

"Our customers' habits are changing – they are increasingly using the convenience of internet, smart phone or telephone banking for their day to day needs."

"All our personal customers have access to their accounts, to withdraw and pay in cash, at any UK post office."