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09Feb08

VERSALLION FIGHTS HSBC CLOSURE

Customers of HSBC's Urmston branch have been receiving surprise news this week of the closure of their branch on the 9th May.

The bank states its decision is due to a decline in the level of new business. Commenting on the surprise announcement, parliamentary candidate Mark Versallion said, "I'm very concerned about this. Like the Government's sweeping cuts on Post Office branches, the closure of a big high street bank is a significant loss of service and surely not in the interests of the bank or the community. And this is happening just as Urmston is about to begin a new lease of life and economic growth with its town centre redevelopment."

"Councillor Christine Turner and I have been working to disuade HSBC from this closure and have also asked the Council if there is anything that can be done to encourage them to stay.

This closure will surely hit trade for the remaining businesses as many people shop where their bank is. However, new customers to the Urmston town centre will use the other big banks and HSBC will not have a presence there. The bank says it will be transferring all Urmston accounts to its Sale branch at 52 Washway Road.

The candidate for Parliament commented, "Elderly residents will also suffer as the bank has been in the area for many years and you tend to drive less the older you get. Mr Versallion added, "The bank seems to have reached this decision without any consultation with the Council but I will be fighting for a way to be found for the Station Road branch to stay as there clearly will be new business when the redeveloped town centre is completed."