Liberal Democrats ask HSBC to save Yate branch
Local Liberal Democrat Councillors in Yate have expressed their disappointment at plans to close the HSBC Bank in Yate Shopping Centre.
It was announced earlier this week that, as part of a nationwide re-structure, HSBC would be closing a number of branches in the UK, including the local branch in Yate.
Cllr Claire Young, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on South Gloucestershire Council, commented:
“The news of the planned closure to the HSBC bank in Yate is of great concern to the community, particularly with the potential loss of jobs in the local area and the loss of a locally accessible banking service”
Cllr Ben Nutland, Councillor for Yate North on South Gloucestershire Council, added:
“This bank is a vital life line for many of our local businesses and elderly residents, some of whom aren’t able to do online banking and would struggle to get to either Thornbury or Bristol if the one in Yate is closed.
“We will be pushing for a rethink and working to make sure those who can't use alternatives are supported.”
Which? research has found that more than a third of bank and building society branches have closed in less than five years and customers are increasingly being encouraged to bank online. But when questioned many adults said they would struggle with basic banking tasks if they could only use websites or apps to manage their bank accounts.
Claire, Ben and the local Liberal Democrat team are launching a petition and writing a letter to the CEO of HSBC asking for the decision to be reconsidered.
As things stand, HSBC intend to close the branch in June 2021. You can sign the petition here:
Image Credit: Jaggery