One of the strongest messages to come out of the meeting was to recommend to all bank users who envisage problems after the closure to make a one-to-one appointment with members of the Reepham HSBC team before the doors close on 9 October. HSBC’s representatives made a commitment to helping customers find solutions to practical problems.
 
The good news to come out of the meeting was that HSBC is committed to arranging an alternative cash machine (ATM) for the Market Place. The bank is already in discussion with a possible ATM provider and has begun the process of identifying a suitable location. HSBC has agreed to get the new ATM in place by Christmas if possible, provided the necessary permissions can be obtained in time.
 
In the meantime, individuals can get cash from the post office and from the cash machine outside the Spar in Ollands Road. The ATM at the bank will cease operation on the day of the branch closure.
 
Businesses and charities (who are treated as small businesses for banking purposes) will also be pleased to hear that HSBC expects to reach agreement with the Post Office at national level within the next 2-3 months to allow business and charity customers to do their banking at the post office.
 
While this may mean that businesses have to make additional journeys to bank their takings and obtain change in the short term, greater use of the post office in the longer term should help to ensure its sustainability.
 
Those who attended the meeting praised the current HSBC team in Reepham for their support in the run-up to the closure.
 
A report of HSBC’s Community Engagement and Impact Assessment in respect of the Reepham branch closure will be published online shortly.
 
See our earlier stories:

• Bank closure will mean more business for post office
• ‘Always busy’ HSBC bank closure ignites business concerns
• HSBC to close Reepham branch in October
• Local concerns about HSBC’s future