HSBC to pull out of Saundersfoot (From Western Telegraph)

HSBC to pull out of Saundersfoot

2:00pm Sunday 25th January 2009 in

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A village that once boasted three bank branches is to lose its final one in April.

HSBC confirmed this week that it is pulling out of Saundersfoot, where the branch in The Strand has been open for over 30 years.

The bank — then the Midland — took out its first lease for the premises in November 1966.

In recent years, the branch has only been open for four hours a week, but nevertheless provided a service which will be greatly missed, said Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism chairman, Andrew Evans.

“It’s very disappointing news for the village, and highlights the importance of businesses, residents and visitors showing support for the Post Office,” he added.

Both NatWest and Barclays previously had branches in Saundersfoot.

HSBC decided to leave the village after April 3rd as the building’s lease was up for renewal.

“We are constantly reviewing our branch network, and because Saundersfoot was only open for four hours weekly, it was one of our least-performing branches,” said a spokesman for HSBC.

“However, it was not an easy decision for us to make.”

HSBC is hoping that planning permission will be granted for a cashpoint facility when the branch closes.

This would either be an ATM, like the one outside the bank at present, or a BT kiosk.

The spokesman added: “This is a stand-alone unit, similar to a Link machine. It has the same functionality as a branch ATM, a free cash machine and a telephone, so customers would be able to get money out as well as doing their telephone banking, if need be.”