HSBC is to close Battle branch in December

HSBC, which has a branch on the High Street, confirmed this week that it plans to shut for good on December 4.

The banking giant says the number of customers using the branch has “fallen significantly” over the past few years.

The news will be a blow to Battle, which saw the town’s branch of Barclays close on September 12 last year.

The building remains empty.

Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman has written to senior managers at HSBC saying he is “extremely sorry” the firm has decided to shut the branch.

He said: “I have pointed out that many of my constituents, particularly older members of the community, will be inconvenienced by having to go further afield for their banking.

“I do, however, recognise that banking habits are changing and that many customers do not need to visit their branch to conduct their business.

“I am worried about the knock-on effect to other local traders who we now need to do even more for, such as a solution to on-street parking enforcement, to make up for this blow.

“I am pleased to have received reassurances that none of the staff at the branch will be made redundant.”

A spokesperson for HSBC said: “We never take the decision to close a branch lightly, and we understand it’s unsettling for the local community.

“Unfortunately, use of the Battle branch has fallen significantly over the past few years, and we’ve taken the difficult decision to close it.

“We are working with customers who use the branch to help them understand their options, which include being able to use the Battle post office to check their balance and withdraw and pay in cash and cheques to their personal HSBC account.

“There are also a number of fee-free cash machines in the local area. In addition, we are working with our employees at the Battle branch to find them a role in a local HSBC branch.”

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