Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has expressed his disappointment that HSBC will permanently close their Colwyn Bay branch in September this year, but is pleased that the bank will be part of the soon to open new banking hub in Abergele
In November 2022, the bank informed Darren and customers of their decision to close the branch and have now confirmed that the closure date will be September 10th 2024.
Commenting, Darren said:
“I was very saddened to hear back in 2022 that HSBC would be closing their Colwyn Bay branch.
“At the time I wrote to the bank highlighting my concerns regarding the impact this will have on residents and businesses.
“The closest branch is over seven miles away in Llandudno, which is quite a distance for people, particularly the elderly, to travel, if they want to see someone face-to-face.
“Nevertheless, the bank was adamant that they were going ahead with the closure, stating all their closures were down to “a reduction in footfall in most of the branches by more than 50%”.
“I appreciate and thank the bank for delaying the closure of the bank, it was originally set to close on August 15th last year, and I am pleased that HSBC UK will be part of the new Banking Hub opening in Abergele in June of this year, whereby customers of HSBC will be able to speak directly with a representative of the bank every Tuesday.
“They have also installed a Cash Pod at Bayview Shopping Centre in Colwyn Bay, which will be operational before the branch closes.
“The Cash Pod will provide will provide fee-free access to cash 24 hours a day for customers and non-customers alike, and allow HSBC UK customers to deposit cash conveniently. The Cash Pod will also enable customers to check their account balance, print mini statements, activate a card, reset the PIN, and make payments linked to their HSBC UK credit card.
“The bank will also be running Community Pop-Up events in the run-up to the closure, and for several weeks after. These will be held in community locations and will be advertised here. Customers will be able to meet face-to-face with their branch experts, who will offer help with digital banking, account on offer.” servicing, and online banking registration, amongst other services.
“I have been highly critical of banks abandoning our high streets in recent years, but sadly it seems to be a sign of times. I therefore encourage HSBC customers to take advantage of the help and support on offer and consider switching to banks that are present on their local high street."
