Shildon’s MP, Helen Goodman has welcomed the announcement by HSBC that customers will be able to access their bank accounts through local post offices.
The bank’s announcement follows concerns by customers in the wake of branch closures, including the closure of the HSBC branch in Shildon.
Ms Goodman has been campaigning against HSBC’s decision to close the Shildon branch – a decision which leaves the town without a single bank.
Following a deal with the Post Office, HSBC customers will be able to withdraw and deposit cash, deposit cheques and check their balance in their local post office.
Helen Goodman MP said, “I welcome this announcement that HSBC customers will be able to access their accounts through the Post Office. This will alleviate some concerns and anything that provides additional business for local post offices is welcome.
“However, this is not a replacement service and does not let HSBC off the hook for their decision to close the branch in Shildon.
“The range of services being provided at the Post Office cannot replace those on offer at a High Street bank.
“I will continue the campaign to ensure that the big banks don’t continue to ride roughshod over local communities in their hunt for bigger profits.”
HSBC claimed that the closure was down to the increased use of online banking, saying, “With the growth of telephone and internet banking in recent years, this has naturally resulted in some branches being used less often.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
