Another HSBC closure as Whitchurch branch shuts its doors

HSBC will close its Whitchurch branch, situated in High Street, on January 15.

It comes just days after it announced the closure if its Market Drayton branch, in Cheshire Street, also in January.

The move could mean hundreds of customers in Whitchurch will have their accounts transferred to other branches.

Councillors, residents and business leaders today spoke of their sadness at the closure.

Peggy Mullock, Shropshire councillor representing Whitchurch, said: "I am very sad to hear a mainstream bank on the High Street is closing.

"It's a shame people will have to travel further away to access services.

"I also feel sorry for people, including older ones, who don't do internet banking."

Rob Hewson, former member of Whitchurch Town Council, said: "It's a shame for the people of the town.

"I work with St John's Church and it's trying to find a bank in Whitchurch which will take on charity accounts that is going to be the difficult thing.

"People still want the personal touch and be able to go into their local branch rather than do internet banking."

Hilary Seward, chairman of Whitchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce, added: "Obviously the business community is really disappointed.

"We felt the branch was reasonably busy and I also know quite a few people are moving away from HSBC as a result.

"There doesn't seem to be have been any consultation with the community."

Steve Gracey, spokesman for HSBC, said: "The reasons for the closure of the Whitchurch branch are the same - reduced branch usage. The closure date is the also January 15.

"We never take the decision to close a branch lightly and we understand it's unsettling for the local community.

"Unfortunately, with an increase in the use of online and telephone banking over the past few years the use of the Whitchurch and Market Drayton branches has fallen significantly, and we have taken the difficult decision to close them.

"We will be working with customers who use the branches to help them understand their options, which include being able to use local post offices to check their balance and withdraw and pay in cash and cheques to their personal HSBC account.

"There are also a number of fee-free cash machines in those local areas."

It is the latest in a line of closures in Shropshire towns in recent years. Since 2012 HSBC has closed branches in Church Stretton, Craven Arms and Ellesmere.