Resort MP Paul Maynard 'extremely disappointed' with Cleveleys bank closure decision

The company announced it would close 82 branches between April and September this year, amid observations of an increase in "digital banking" by its chiefs.

HSBC said the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a greater shift to online banking, although insisted the closures were not entirely related to the lockdowns and restrictions introduced.

Staff in branches facing closure are also expected to be redeployed to other branches and sites within 15 miles of their homes, the bank said.

Bosses said the changes will see four distinct branch formats that “best suit customer needs, based on detailed analysis of customer behaviour”.

These include full service branches, cash service branches for customers who need greater access to cash, counterless branches with self-services only and pop up branches.

One of the branches set for closure in August is Cleveleys' Victoria Square branch, but the decision was met with "disappointment" from Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard.

Mr Maynard said he had written a letter to HSBC to "reverse its decision and to consider innovative alternatives to ensure people in Blackpool North and Cleveleys retain access to banking services."

"I’m extremely disappointed to hear HSBC intends to close its branch in Cleveleys from August. Bank branches provide vital services in our communities and drive footfall," Mr Maynard said.

"It is simply not good enough to suggest elderly and vulnerable customers, who might not have access to or feel comfortable using telephone or internet banking should put up with a reduced range of service at the already busy Post Office or travel to South Shore, the nearest alternative branch."

Mr Maynard highlighted the absence of a public transport link between Cleveleys and the nearest HSBC branch, on Newhouse Road in South Shore.

He added that the closure of the Cleveleys branch would affect his "elderly and most vulnerable constituents disproportionately," and that "HSBC has not in any way justified the closure particularly given the bank has so recently closed its branch in Blackpool Town Centre."

Councillor for Anchorsholme Tony Williams also expressed his objection to the closure plans, saying the company's reasons for doing so are "not as strong as they think."

"I'm really annoyed that HSBC are closing their Cleveleys branch," Coun Williams said.

"This will mean the nearest HSBC bank will be Oxford Square which is 5.5 miles away.

"Nearly 30 per cent of the existing customers at this bank are vulnerable people. You only ever see two or three staff in the branch and they already have reduced opening times."

But Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK’s head of network, said the Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for the changes that the bank is making.

“It hasn’t pushed us in a different direction but reinforces the things that we were focusing on before and has crystallised our thinking," she continued.

“This is a strategic direction that we need to take to have a branch network fit for the future.

“Making sure we have a sustainable branch network is essential to us, and decisions to close branches are not taken lightly.

“By ensuring we have the most suitable branch format in each specific local market that we serve, we will ensure that we are in good shape to meet the challenges ahead.”

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