Bank branch closing as changes revealed
A BRANCH of the HSBC in Leicestershire is to close as part of a major restructuring at the bank.
The branch, in Leicester Road, Wigston, is to close on June 18.
The Wigston branch is one of 82 to be closed this year as HSBC has announced major changes.
No other branches in Leicestershire are earmarked for closure.
The bank is planning HSBC branches with no counters as it looks to update how its network will operate.
HSBC’s Jackie Uhi said: “Over the last few months, we’ve been conducting a number of pilots to test out a range of potential future branch formats at different locations to make sure we are giving customers what they want where they want it.
“The direction of travel is really quite clear and this is borne out by the reduction in branch usage and increase in digital interaction that we are seeing first-hand.”
The Mirror reports that under the new system there will be four types of branch:
■■Full service branches: offering a full range of services, predominantly based within large cities and towns where branches see a broad range of requests.
■■Cash service branches: supporting local communities that are more cash intensive with a greater need for access to cash, alongside over-thecounter servicing.
■■Digital service branches: counterless branches providing “traditional” cash and cheque transactions using self-service technology, with an emphasis on assisting with digital technology.
■■Pop up branches: a temporary, movable, local presence, helping customers with queries including help setting up online and digital banking, providing digital education, guidance and customer support.
Work has already begun on reformatting and refurbishing branches - and is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The “pop up” branches will be rolled out later this year too.
“The pandemic has emphasised the need for the changes we are making,” Ms Uhi said.
Staff in branches facing closure, which include Wigston’s, are also expected to be redeployed to other sites within 15 miles of their homes.