Sedbergh and Ambleside HSBC bank branches to close (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Sedbergh and Ambleside HSBC bank branches to close

4:20pm Wednesday 9th November 2011 in Sedbergh news By Stephanie Manley, Reporter

BANKING giant HSBC is to close branches in Sedbergh and Ambleside because it says they are no longer viable.

The company, which calls itself ‘The World’s Local Bank’, will move customer accounts to Windermere and Kendal.

The branches will close on January 27, but there will be no job losses as staff will be transferred to other branches.

The move has been criticised and Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “This will affect a large number of people.

"HSBC have responsibilities to the communities they serve and these branches are vital to their local areas.

"The branches serve a wide, rural community and this decision is letting the people down.”

Ambleside and Grasmere councillor Heidi Halliday said: “It’s not just people and businesses in Ambleside who will suffer, but also the surrounding areas.

"To expect people to travel that extra distance to pay a cheque is wrong.

"Elderly and vulnerable people rely on this branch and I hope HSBC think again.”

HSBC said it would write to customers in Sedbergh and Ambleside and over the next three months give them advice on how else to manage their finances.

Spokesman Mark Hemmingway said: “The decision was very difficult, but it reflects a change in shopping patterns.

"People are using the internet and television more, and we have seen a big reduction in the number of people using the branches.

"Sedbergh is one of the most underused in the UK.

“There are plenty of ATMs in these places and other banking facilities for people who cannot adjust to the move.”