HSBC branch closure outrage in Verwood

Residents in Verwood have been angered by the shock news that their town centre branch will close on 25 September 2009.

A letter to customers says that all accounts will be transferred to Ringwood, which is a ten mile round trip.

The Mayor of Verwood, Cllr Michael Dolan said, “The town council is surprised and shocked that the bank should be contemplating this closure in a busy town.  The branch is well supported by residents.

“We are attempting to find out more details, particularly with regard to the bus services, which appear to be inadequate.  The 36 goes via Three Legged Cross and Ashley Heath and the only direct bus, the 36A, runs on Sundays and Bank Holidays when the bank is closed.”

Bank customer, Brian McIntyre said, “The buses are infrequent and don’t go direct.  It is going to cause severe difficulties.  A petition has been started and customers can sign it in the branch.”

Another customer, Sue Kaur, who lives and works in Verwood said, “Having the branch in Verwood is ideal.  I can pop in at lunchtime to do my banking.  I only get half an hour for lunch and won’t be able to go to Ringwood in that time.  I prefer to do my banking at the counter rather than any other way.”

A spokesperson for HSBC, Tim Pie, said, “We don’t take closure lightly and understand the implication it can have on the community, but the branch is not viable any more. 

“Last year, we reduced the hours of opening and during the whole of 2008, we only opened 30 new accounts there.  There are only 100 customers domiciled in the Verwood branch and on average the branch receives ten visitors an hour, most to use the ATM.

“The site is run down and is a cramped facility.  To refurbish it to the standard of our other branches is not an investment that would see a return and the lease runs out next year.

“We regret the decision and will listen to the concerns of customers and will attend any community meetings.”

He said that customers use many other ways to do their banking including the phone and internet and that HSBC ensures the resources are in place where they are needed.

“We are looking at whether we can leave the ATM behind,” he added.

And as for mobile banking, he said, “We ceased mobile banking at the end of 2007 because we found that mobile branches were also unused.”