HSBC closure to go ahead

Despite significant efforts by residents, councillors and businesses to persuade HSBC to reconsider its decision to close, the High Street bank will cease operating in Shipston from 15th November.

Since the announcement of the planned closure, a number of individuals and organisations have worked hard to try and persuade HSBC to stay open, recognising the important role the bank plays in servicing residents and businesses from Shipston and surrounding areas.

Former Mayor and HSBC customer, Brenda Broughton, has invested considerable time and effort in writing to the bank and encouraging others to do the same. Copies of some of her letters can be viewed at below.

Mayor, Ronnie Murphy, said “I am extremely disappointed that HSBC is going ahead with this closure despite strong evidence of the need for the branch in Shipston. I would like to thank everyone who has supported efforts to try and keep the branch open, particularly Brenda Broughton.”

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Letter from Brenda Broughton to HSBC:

Brendan Cook [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp]

Retail Banking and Wealth Management [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp][nbsp]

HSBC Bank plc [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp][nbsp]

8 Canada Square [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp] [nbsp]

London

E14 5HQ

September 24^th 2013[nbsp]

Dear Mr Cook

Re your comments in The Mail on Sunday September 22^nd where you are quoted as saying [nbsp]“Our branches are an important way for our customers to bank with us”. I am delighted to hear this as our branch in Shipston on Stour is one you propose to close in early November.

May I point out that this branch serves 32 villages,[nbsp] listed separately ,all within a radius of approximately 6 miles as well as the town of Shipston.[nbsp]

The County has long considered Shipston on Stour as a service centre for this area.[nbsp] They sponsored a Link bus to bring people from the villages into Shipston.[nbsp] It is so successful that this now runs without a subsidy.[nbsp] In addition the[nbsp] Co-op store found it viable to sponsor an additional Saturday service.

If you check the attached list you will see many of your customers who use your online services live in these areas.[nbsp] However, their nearest access to cash is Shipston.[nbsp]

One ATM at the Shipston branch proved inadequate.[nbsp] A second was installed and I understand that each machine supplies at least £200K cash per week. These ATMs are the first point of call when shoppers and visitors come to the Incidently, last Bank Holiday both HSBC’s ATMs were out of service causing huge problems.

Internet banking has obviously caused a reduction in footfall.[nbsp] Nevertheless customers still require counter service, particularly businesses.[nbsp]

In conclusion why has Shipston been chosen?.[nbsp] An expanding town, in the middle of a thriving rural area, with housing applications already granted for 300 further houses and your current television commercial[nbsp] is promoting mortgages.[nbsp] There is space here for the Branch to grow its business.[nbsp] Could we become a Sub Office to Stratford[nbsp] upon

Avon with counter and cash service only?.

Yours sincerely[nbsp]Please reconsider your decision, not out of sentiment but on a purely commercial basis.

Brenda M Broughton

HSBC Pensioner, Shareholder and Ex-Mayor of Shipston on Stour

Copies to J M Flint, Chief Executive Retail Banking and Wealth Management

Mike Tate, Retail Branch Manager, Stratford upon Avon

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