Customers protest at closure of Rishton's only bank (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Customers protest at closure of Rishton's only bank

11:32am Wednesday 20th January 2010 in

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CAMPAIGNERS are protesting against the closure of Rishton’s only bank.

Around 260 people have responded to a petition to keep the local HSBC branch open led by ward councillor Harry Grayson and joined by fellow councillors, MP Greg Pope and the area’s Labour group leader Graham Jones.

Campaigners claim that as well as leaving residents in the lurch, businesses and shops will suffer once the last bank leaves the area.

HSBC made the decision to close based on the number of people now using phone and internet banking.

The banking giant has asked that account holders who need in-branch services visit Blackburn or Accrington in future.

Mr Grayson said: “There has been no consultation or advance warning.

“I was only informed as a savings account holder when I received a letter from HSBC telling me they had decided to close the branch as it was not financially viable.

“I thought it was very ironic that the letter was headed with their slogan, ‘The World’s Local Bank’.

“There has been no attempt on their part to find a solution or speak to residents, even though the effects will be far ranging.

“There are working men’s clubs in the area who deal only in cash, for obvious reasons, who will no longer have a bank to deal with.

“Of course they go elsewhere but that means their insurance premiums going up if they have to transport cash further away.

“The effect on businesses in the area couldn’t come at a worse time.

“Many of the businesses on the industrial estate do their banking in the town, and staff who use the bank also come in and spend money in the other shops locally.

“I also find the suggestion that everybody uses phone or internet banking to be poorly thought out.”

The campaign is calling for HSBC to reverse its decision and also plans on involving the financial ombudsman.

Campaigners are also calling on supporters to withdraw their business from HSBC in support of the petition.