Rye HSBC Bank branch to close in January

The High Street bank will close on January 13, 2017, as footfall has dropped by nearly a third over the last five years and most customers’ contact with the bank is online or over the phone.

A HSBC spokesman said it was a ‘difficult decision’ to close the branch but insisted alternatives are on offer as well as help to use internet banking.

“We continually review our branch network to make sure our branches are in the right locations for our customers and we have a sustainable network for the future.

“Over the past five years, we have seen an overall reduction in footfall at our Rye branch of 32 per cent, and we have made the difficult decision to close this branch.

“This is not a decision we take lightly and we will work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.

“We have advised our customers that there is an alternative branch a short drive away in Hastings, should customers wish to visit a branch and talk to a member of the HSBC team face to face.”

HSBC said it wrote to customers to inform them of the closure and advise them of alternatives, as well as offering 1-2-1 sessions to explain or help set up mobile or internet banking.

According to the bank, 93% of contact with the bank is now completed via the telephone, internet or smartphone, plus 97% of cash withdrawals are made via an ATM.

As a result, most of its customers are already carrying out their daily banking needs without need of the branch itself, the spokesman said.

Nevertheless, HSBC has partnered with the Post Office where customer can carry out banking needs in person.

“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,” the spokesman said.

What do you think of the closure? Comment below or email [email protected] with your thoughts.

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