“In a BBC News article on Friday,
RBS (NatWest) are quoted as saying, “Since 2010, branch transactions are down
almost 30%”. We know what that
means.
“Also, from Barclays just recently
when 1,700 job cuts were announced, one quote stood out: “Mr Blakey
[editor of Retail Banker International] thinks banks need to "right
size" their branches, because they are not needed as much with the advent
of mobile and internet banking.
“We’ve been urged to leave HSBC,
but how can you jump ships when there are
no ships left to jump to?
“Now is probably a highly counter-productive time to take
precipitous action like switching accounts from HSBC as it might harden HSBC’s
attitude further.
“We have written to Alan
Keir of HSBC to help smooth-over ruffled feathers, at least while negotiations
continue. It has been acknowledged.
“Despite
the flat refusal by HSBC to meet with the Chamber of Trade, Mark Isherwood has
persuaded them to have a meeting in Cardiff,
accompanied by Ken Skates AM.
“It is not an event to which others
are invited, regrettably, so we need to furnish them with as much ammunition as
we possibly can.
“We have been asked by Mark
Isherwood’s office to provide details of any individual cases we would like him
to take to the meeting.
“We now know what to do; it’s all
hands on deck to canvas for cases from businesses and residents about how the
branch closure would cause hardship to them.
“I’m quite certain the Chamber of
Trade and KLS can compile all your comments and present them in a coherent and
concise form.
* As
a for instance, some of us may feel that their accounts would not be
transferrable to a new bank due to problems with debt and still need a local
manager to help them because of their relationship with someone who understands
their circumstance rather than a stranger who might be less sympathetic.
* It
might be because of anxiety and the need for personal understanding and sympathetic contact.
* It
might due to physical impairment or that the cost of transport is unaffordable
to them.
* Perhaps
you have no telephone, which implies you have no Internet access either.
* Impaired
vision, partial hearing and physical immobility are obviously problems,
and if you have carers provided by social services you may not be willing to
entrust your bank account details with.
* If
you’re a trader in town and have concerns such as openly carrying sums of cash
to bank, even road safety worries crossing the A5 to the Post Office or
delays introduced by third parties slowing its transfer to your account, let us
know.
“Please be a good neighbour – if you know anyone who would be unable to read this, please let them know.
“We need
your name and address. It will be kept
confidential. Hand-written letters, which we encourage, may be given to Watkin
& Williams who have kindly offered to be a collection point. (Mark the
envelope HSBC, please.)
"Whatever the reason, please contact
researcher@keepllangollenspecial.org.uk , or the Llangollen Chamber of
Trade and Tourism at LlanCTandT@hotmail.co.uk.
“What we need to tell our leaders
is that this is no longer a local issue. It’s turned UK-wide. Our local and national
economies are going to plummet if we can’t find a solution.
“Next week, documents will be sent
to all AMs. Watch this space.”
Martin Crumpton,
Chair,
Keep Llangollen Special.
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