With the impending closure of HSBC’s Vale Street branch in Denbigh on Tuesday, 8 August 2023, and following his petition to save the HSBC branch, the local Member of the Senedd for Vale of Clwyd, Gareth Davies MS is encouraging remaining financial institutions in the town to extend and promote their outstanding services to meet the established need for in-branch services.
With Denbigh town centre not presently meeting the Link criteria for a Banking Hub, Mr Davies has encouraged key stakeholders and financial service providers, notably Halifax and Principality Building Society, to show their support for the well-being of the community with measures which safeguard continued access to in-branch expertise and financial assistance.
This follows on from Gareth’s meeting with HSBC’s Local Director for Wrexham & Mid Wales, Ms. Wendy Morrice, and subsequent launch of a petition to save HSBC Denbigh. Further to HSBC’s final decision to close its Denbigh branch, Gareth is continuing to support the demand for in-branch services that are highly valued by the Denbigh community in Vale of Clwyd.
Having recently met with Post Office UK’s External Affairs Manager covering South of England & Wales, Ms. Laura Tarling, Gareth was very pleased to learn that Post Office UK are highly committed to maintaining the significant value that its services bring to locations across the nation, including in Denbigh. Further to his engaging discussion, Gareth has recently addressed the impact of the HSBC closure on the community with Post Office UK’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nick Read, seeking to clarify what assurances Post Office UK can provide to residents that they remain able to provide daily products and vital cash, banking and bill payment services in Denbigh.
Gareth has subsequently received a positive update from Ms. Laura Tarling, Post Office UK, in respect of Post Office Denbigh’s preparations for the additional banking customers that are expected to visit over coming months.
Post Office UK’s Corporate Team have responded constructively, with Ms. Laura Tarling, External Affairs Manager affirming that:
“The Area Manager and the postmaster are meeting with HSBC bank colleagues on 20th July to discuss customer requirements and meet customers at the bank. They will be answering questions and reassuring customers who may be considering moving their transactions to the Post Office.”
Commenting after receiving this update from Post Office UK, Gareth said:
“Whilst I’m very glad to learn that steps are being taken to promote the provision of Post Office UK’s range of Everyday Banking services, I look forward to receiving further updates on how Post Office UK can assist with the Denbigh community’s in-person banking requirements, providing an opportunity to expand the economic and social value of existing Post Office in-branch facilities.”
Speaking on recent developments, Gareth added:
“I will be continuing to follow Post Office Denbigh’s preparations closely and will further my discussions with the Corporate departments at Halifax and Principality Building Society in respect of developments in Denbigh over coming weeks.”
