The Member of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire met with the regional director of HSBC last week (4th February) to discuss the proposed closure of the bank's Welshpool branch.
Russell George, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire, tackled the regional director of HSBC on the proposed closure of the Welshpool branch (which is planned for 24th September 2021), calling for face-to-face banking services to be protected and for HSBC to reconsider its decision to close its branch in the town.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr George said:
"I was disappointed that HSBC had not contacted me before making the public announcement to close the Welshpool branch and that it still hasn't written to its customers informing them of this decision.
"At my meeting with HSBC's regional director, 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 enquired about what will happen to the staff at the branch and was informed 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 ."
