I am very concerned about the news that the HSBC branch in Faversham will close.
HSBC have announced today that its Faversham branch will close on 5 February 2016. I realise this means customers will now have to travel to Canterbury to use the banks in-branch services. I’ve been told that there are no plans for any redundancies.
I understand that fewer people now use bank branches because they bank online, but that doesn’t work for everybody. I’m worried particularly about older people; though many are tech savvy, not all are, so banking online is not an option. These are also the people who may be less able to travel to Canterbury. It’s particularly disappointing that there will be another gap in our high street. Some people come into town to go to the bank and this may mean a reduction in footfall in the town centre, affecting local shops.
I have written to Jonathan Byrne, regional director of retail banking at HSBC, to request a meeting. I encourage anyone who thinks they will be affected by the closure to get in touch with me.
I have attatched a copy of the letter I received for you to have a look at. Please also see an article in the Canterbury Times:http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/Faversham-bank-close-doors-lack-custom…