Strood HSBC closure, bad for businesses, bad for residents' - say local Lib Dems

*image by alan wells

Liberal Democrats believe that the closure of HSBC Bank in Strood, could significantly impact nearby businesses. The bank attracts customers to the area and the closure could result in fewer people coming into the High Street. This news follows the closure of Barclays Bank in Strood last May.

Alan Wells, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats said: "HSBC is a vital life line for businesses to be able to go into a bank to get change or deposit cash at the end of the day or week.

Customers will have to travel to Chatham for their nearest branches and the reality is that it is a significant trip. For some elderly residents in Strood and the surrounding area who rely on these services, not having access to online banking facilities, would find it a struggle to get to a bank.

We feel that there is a need for a HSBC presence in the town and the decision to close branches need to be reviewed to take into account the impact on the local community".

Liberal Democrats are supporting local residents against the closure and we call upon HSBC to reconsider their decision to close the branch.

ENDS