Rise in online banking behind HSBC closures
HSBC is closing two of its branches in Hillingdon borough in the coming months, due to the “rise in Internet banking”.
Yiewsley High Street and Brunel University campus will lose their branch from March 4 next year, meaning the nearest walk-in service for residents of West Drayton, Yiewsley and Cowley will be either Uxbridge or Hayes.
Pensioner Janet Campbell from West Drayton said it was a “damn cheek” to long time customers such as herself.
She added: “If you want to visit a branch from now on you’ll either have to go to Uxbridge, Hayes or Ruislip. Now, why would I, living in West Drayton, want to go to Hayes or Ruislip for my dealings with the bank?
“What are the local shopkeepers who use the bank going to do? We are being dictated to by organisations about what we do, when we do and where we do it.
“The Uxbridge branch is all automated and I personally do not do automation. At the end of the day, I want personal service.
“It’s making it harder for people to go about their daily business unless you want to conform to internet banking.”
Brunel University has still not had official notice that HSBC wants to leave the campus.
A spokesman for Brunel University London said: “If it does we will ensure that a new provider is found and that there is no break in what is a crucial service for many of our students.”
Last year, a protest wake was staged in Isleworth by campaigners who feared the closure of Barclays could spell the end for the High Street.
HSBC said: “We never take the decision to close a branch lightly, and we understand it’s unsettling for the local community.
“Unfortunately, with an increase in the use of online and telephone banking over the past few years use of the Yiewsley and the Brunel University branches has fallen significantly, and we’ve taken the difficult decision to close them on March 4 next year.
“We are working with customers who use the branches to help them understand their options, which include being able to use local post offices for their day-to-day banking. There are also free ATMs in the areas.”