HSBC confirmed their continued intention to close their Denbigh branch next year during a meeting with Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies yesterday.
James met Wendy Morrice, a Local Director at HSBC, on Wednesday to discuss last week’s announcement that the Denbigh branch is one of the 114 branches earmarked for closure in 2023.
At the meeting she regrettably confirmed the closure would be going ahead, but not until August 8th next year.
Speaking after the meeting, James said:
“It is always disappointing when banks announce branch closures, and my immediate thoughts are always with the elderly and more vulnerable customers who may find it difficult to travel to a neighbouring bank or who may not have the confidence to bank online. It is also a concerning time for local businesses which rely on the services town centre banks provide, and of course all the staff at these branches.
“During my meeting with Wendy Morrice, she reassured me that residents and businesses in Denbigh will still have access to cash as there are several free ATMs in the town. We also discussed that Denbigh retains a Crown Post Office where many banking services are available, and that Halifax offers a wide range of banking services.
“She told me of HSBC’s plans to support vulnerable customers through helping them to acquire and use technology to do their banking online, and said that full banking services will still be available at HSBC’s Ruthin branch, as well as at Rhyl, Mold, Shotton and Chester.
“I was pleased to hear that all the current staff will be redeployed, so there will be no redundancies.”
HSBC own the building in Denbigh and during the meeting its management when vacant was also discussed.
James added:
“I very much thank Wendy for meeting me and outlining the reasons for the closure and what they are doing to mitigate the impact on customers.
“Sadly, bank closures have become a sign of the times and there have been a number of branch closures executed by HSBC in North Wales in recent years. I am extremely disappointed by this and very much hope that Denbigh will be the last closure locally for a long time to come.”
James, who has helped secure the commitment to a banking hub for Prestatyn, has contacted LINK to explore the likelihood of a banking hub in Denbigh. LINK have visited the town, carried out a full and detailed assessment of Denbigh, and concluded it does not at this time meet the threshold for them to recommend a banking hub in the town.
James added:
“Whilst this is disappointing, I understand that Denbigh is in a different position to Prestatyn which is larger yet saw all of its several banks close in quick succession. However, I will listen to all comments brought to me by residents, including the need for Welsh language banking provision, and convey these to LINK for their ongoing deliberations.
“Should any Denbigh HSBC customers have any concerns or questions regarding the closure, please contact my office and we will do our best to assist you.”
