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November 2016
HSBC branch set to close in January By Olivia Taylor
THE Holmfirth branch of HSBC will close in January, meaning some locals need to find an alternative way to bank. The decision to close the bank, on Victoria Street, came when the company reviewed its regional branches and saw footfall has reduced by an average of 40 per cent. Over 120 HSBC branches have already been closed this year, meaning 600 banks have closed in the 12 months. A spokesperson from HSBC said: “Sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches. “In addition, 93 per cent of contact with the bank is now completed via the telephone, internet or smartphone,
plus 97 per cent of cash withdrawals are made via an ATM. “As a result, most of our customers are already carrying out their daily banking needs without need of the branch itself. “These are not decisions we take lightly and we work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.” “We will be working closely with our customers in the coming weeks to ensure they are fully aware of all the measures in place to support them.” Customers that regularly use the Holmfirth branch have been advised that there is an alternative branch in Huddersfield, located six miles away, should customers wish to visit a
branch and talk to a member of the HSBC team face to face. A spokesperson from HSBC, added: “In addition we have put in place a number of measures to help customers, including a partnership with the Post Office so our customers can still carry out their day to day banking.” The bank has written to all of its local customers this week to advise them of local alternatives – as well as offering them one-to-one sessions to help explain their options or provide help in setting up mobile or internet banking. ■ Will the closure of Holmfirth’s HSBC branch affect you? We’d like to hear from you, get in touch: news@holmevalleyreview. co.uk
Holmfirth and Meltham Lions are touring the streets of the valley to provide local children with a Christmas surprise. Every year volunteers from the Lions get wrapped up and head outside on their sleigh so that the region’s children can meet Father Christmas. Full story on page 4
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