Four of region’s HSBC branches to close doors

BANKING giant HSBC has announced plans to close four branches in the Black Country and Staffordshire.

The bank said the “difficult decision” had been taken as overall footfall at its branches had fallen by 40 per cent over the past five years.

The branch in Smethwick will close at the end of this week followed by Rugeley on September 30 and both Stone and Brownhills on November 25.

A statement from the company said: “Over the past five years, we have seen an overall reduction in footfall at our branches of more than 40 per cent and sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches.”

Jane Gratton, deputy chief executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The rise of a digital society means that people are using branches less and, like any business, banks have to adapt accordingly.

“We all benefit enormously from the convenience of banking and shopping online but this shift in customer habits is changing the nature of the high street – a scenario that is reflected in towns and cities across the country.

“Many businesses and individuals, however, still rely on traditional forms of banking and it is important that alternative arrangements are put in place to ensure these customers have access to effective, secure banking solutions.”