HSBC's decision to close its branch in a Nottinghamshire town is a sign the high street is being ruined, residents have said. The bank announced earlier this week that its branch in Front Street, Arnold would close in May next year.
The news sparked a letter to be sent by Michael Payne, the deputy leader of Gedling Borough Council, who urged bosses to keep it open. Residents are no happier and spoke to Nottinghamshire Live about their fears over the closure.
The branch is one of 114 to close across the country. HSBC said it was due to fewer people using its physical services.
Read more: HSBC urged to reconsider Arnold branch closure that will have a 'detrimental impact'
Margaret Lawley, an 84-year-old who is "born and bred" in Arnold, said: "This town is ruined. My bank is Halifax so I'm not worried, but I wouldn't like it, we've got to save something. It's the way we have messed it up, it was a nicer place but it's really gone downhill."
"I think they should keep it open, they have managed to all these years. Just because they want to save some money."
A couple from Mansfield, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We go to our bank on a Monday morning and there are queues right through. There are so many branches shutting, and they expect people to go on public transport to another.
"If you're not used to internet banking then you're going to struggle. It reassures you when you're in a bank and you can see and talk to someone."
John Davis, 56, added: "It's just a shame." Following the announcement of the closures across the country, HSBC stated: "The decline in branch use has accelerated so much since the Covid-19 pandemic that some of the branches closing are now serving fewer than 250 customers a week." The bank has found that 97.5% of all its banking transactions are now taking place online.
In his letter to the bank, Councillor Payne said: "The closure of HSBC branch in Arnold will leave customers within the entire Gedling Borough area without access to a local HSBC branch, instead they will have to travel to your Nottingham, Clumber Street branch. This proposed closure will disproportionately disadvantage older, disabled, financially excluded and socially isolated customers.
"The closure is being proposed in the midst of a cost of living crisis, when financial concerns are a reality for so many families. I therefore call on you to re-consider your decision to close the Arnold HSBC branch."
READ NEXT:
- Nottingham's olde worlde shopping courtyard that even some locals don't know is there
- Nottinghamshire ford closed with immediate effect amid 'dangerous and irresponsible' driving
- Meet the pets looking for loving homes as they spend winter in animal centre
- Neighbours in Nottingham's most deprived community admit 'the data doesn't lie'
- Nottinghamshire's lost mining jobs 'could be replaced' by nuclear site
