Bank closure decision won't be reversed
The Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, Russell George has had talks with the regional director of HSBC last week to discuss the closure of the bank's Welshpool branch.
Mr George called for face-to-face banking services to be protected and for HSBC to reconsider its decision to close its branch in the town in September.
He said he was disappointed that the bank had still not written to its customers informing them of its decision.
"I asked whether the decision to close the Welshpool branch could be reconsidered, but I wasn't surprised to hear that the decision has been made and that there sadly wouldn't be any reconsideration. I was told that all staff have been offered other job opportunities at other HSBC branches.
"I was pleased that HSBC recognised that it has a moral responsibility and obligation to support its vulnerable customers and those customers who do not have access to digital and online banking facilities, but I'm not convinced that any alternative solution via the Post Office will fully compensate for having over the counter services at the Welshpool branch, the staff of which have been universally praised for their professional and helpful service.
"If residents or businesses have any specific questions regarding the branch closure, please don't hesitate to contact me. I would be very happy to raise any concerns directly with HSBC. Please also consider completing my residents' survey on banking which is available here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/hsbcwelshpool ."
