HSBC to close in March 2017

Local people are in uproar after HSBC has confirmed that it will close its branch in Melksham in March next year.

Customers who bank with HSBC were sent a letter recently with the news that the bank had made the ‘difficult decision’ to close the branch on Friday 3rd March 2017.

In the letter to customers, HSBC say customers with a personal current account can pay in cash or cheques, withdraw money and check their balance in the Post Office.

Local people have expressed concerns over the closure of the bank with some saying they may even switch to another provider. One women said  on Facebook that she was concerned about the elderly in the community who struggle with online banking and would now have to travel to Trowbridge or Chippenham.

Another local resident, Hayley Southgate from Bowerhill said, “I’ve banked with HSBC since 1985. I don’t like doing online banking and I prefer to go into a local branch for the personal touch.”

In a statement, HSBC said, “This week we have written to all our local customers to inform them that the Melksham branch will close on 3rd March 2017, and advise them of local alternatives, as well as offering them 1-2-1 sessions to help explain their options or provide help in setting up mobile or internet banking.

“We continually review our branch network to make sure our branches are in the right locations for our customers and we have a sustainable network for the future. Over the past five years, we have seen footfall reduce at our Melksham branch by 31%. Sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches. These are not decisions we take lightly and we work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.

“With regard to the Melksham branch, we have advised our customers that there is an alternative branch in Trowbridge should customers wish to visit a branch and talk to a member of the HSBC team face-to-face.”