Further to the recent announcement by HSBC of the closure of their Burgess Hill and East Grinstead branches, Mims Davies, the MP for Mid Sussex, met with Local Director Mr Simon Morris to discuss the impact of these closures on customers and the reasons for these closures.
Following the meeting, Mims commented:
“Access to local services is vitally important to many people in our communities. Not every banking transaction is about the withdrawal of money from a cash machine and not every question can be answered by going online. Whilst disappointed at these closures, I am heartened that 93% of transactions, paying money in, paying bills and other transactions can be conducted at the local Post Office and that pop ups will be organised to assist customers with a variety of support and training strategies.
“I have also been assured regular ‘pop up’ support will be there for those that need it in the locality. I will be working to highlight theses as we know these closures are very disappointing for those who need face to face support and guidance.”
Surveys have been completed over the last five years which confirms that how we bank has significantly changed, with the majority of people choosing to use online banking. The Pandemic had made little difference to these findings. Many factors have been taken into account with these closures, including the number of cash machines within a one mile radius, the Post office location, Paypoint stores and proximity of the nearest branch.
Assurances have been given that customers will be supported through these changes. Community pop up’s will be arranged in a few different locations to assist their Customers with help on digital banking, telephone banking, face to face support, and details on fraud fighting and help with day to day products. Those who might be affected the most will be directly contacted to discuss their needs.
Mims was also keen to ensure there would be no staff redundancies and was assured everyone involved had been personally spoken to in order to discuss the best way forward, with no redundancies being made and redeployment offered.