High Street branch shuts its doors for last time

Acton MP, Rupa Huq, has joined the condemnation of HSBC'S decision to shut it's W3 branch.

The bank closed on Friday 9th September and many customers who visited on the last day were appalled saying it will be a big loss to the area. The nearest branches are in Ealing Broadway or Park Royal.

Dr Rupa Huq MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said, “I am bitterly disappointed that HSBC has taken the unilateral decision to close the local branch in Acton without consulting with the local community, many of whom will be adversely affected by this decision.

“We are constantly told that everything is online these days but the impact on some of the most vulnerable members of our community including the elderly and those customers with disabilities will be most extreme.  Local businesses are also likely to be negatively affected by the closure due to their reliance on accessing a local branch.

Tom Doran, a local photographer from Acton and member of the Acton history society (pictured) also agreed “The branch at 199 Acton High Street is a locally listed building as well as being part of a conservation area”.  

HSBC Acton High Street. Picture: Google Street View

Rupa said ''As an MP I was written to by the bank and assured that there will be no job losses as all staff will be redeployed but I am saddened that at a time when the council have developed the library and swimming pool HSBC has by contrast shown so little consideration to its loyal customers who will now have to travel further away to access a branch. Sadly another empty unit will do little to enhance the appeal of Acton High Street.''

On the closures HSBC have said, '' We never take the decision to close a branch lightly, and we understand it can be unsettling for the local community. In recent years our customers have changed the way they choose to bank with us. More and more people are using the telephone and Internet to complete their banking and branches are being used less often.  Across our branch network over the last four years we have seen almost a 40% reduction in customer footfall, and that decrease is accelerating. As a result, sometimes the difficult decision is made to close a branch.'' 

13th October 2016