RESIDENTS have been left angry and disappointed over the closure of another bank in Knutsford.
HSBC shuts its doors for the last time today, Tuesday, in Princess Street, just months after Lloyds Bank pulled out of the same street.
NATWEST closes its King Street branch on August 2, leaving the town with no bank.
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Customers have described the decisions as ‘sad’ and ‘disgraceful’, leaving thousands without access to an in-person branch.
One man said: “I haven’t got a computer or a mobile phone.
“I prefer to speak to people in person.
“I think it is appalling to leave us without a bank.”
Another woman added: “My parents have been customers since 1971 when it was Midland Bank.
“They are not online at home. Not everyone is computer savvy.”
HSBC says that the use of the bank’s branch network across the UK by regular customers has fallen by 65 per cent over the past five years.
The growth in online banking is the reason for the closures.
The National Federation of SubPostmasters (NFSB) wants to make customers aware that banking facilities are available at post offices.
A spokesman said: “On June 6, HSBC on Princess Street is due to close.
“This will doubtless be disappointing to HSBC customers in Knutsford.
“However, alternative banking provision is available to local residents at post office branches nearby.”
The nearest post offices are in Princess Street, Knutsford, Town Lane, Mobberley and Hulme Lane, Lower Peover.
A NFSB spokesman said: “Each of these branches offers banking services – including deposits, free cash withdrawals and balance checks as well as offering face-to-face access to government services, bill payment, foreign currently, travel insurance and postal services.
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