The decision by HSBC to close 82 of its branches, including its Welshpool branch, has been greeted with disappointment by local Member of the Senedd, Russell George.
Responding to the news that HSBC plans to close its Welshpool branch on 24th September 2021, Mr George has pledged to campaign with the local community to protect face-to-face banking services and has called on HSBC to reconsider its decision to close its branch in the town.
The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire said:
"The ramifications of the proposed closure of the HSBC branch could be significant. This would be the latest in a long line of bank branch closures across Montgomeryshire and customers must be consulted before these changes are forced through.
"Another bank branch closure will not only have a detrimental impact on the bank's loyal staff and customers, especially those who are elderly and disabled, but it will also have implications for the local business community, for Welshpool as a town, and for the reputation of HSBC.
"I will be looking to meet with the regional management of the bank at the earliest possible opportunity to voice the opinion of the people of Welshpool.
"I will also be asking the Welsh Government to exert some pressure to ensure that an adequate alternative solution is found before any permanent closure takes place. It is clear to me that the transfer of banking services to the Post Office and mobile or online banking doesn’t replace permanent over the counter facilities."
