Pevensey Residents Step up Campaign to Save Bank

PEVENSEY residents have stepped up their campaign to save their local bank.

The HSBC above the library in Wallsend Road, Pevensey Bay, will shut its doors on December 3 leaving villagers with a journey of more than three miles to the next nearest bank at Langney or a four-mile journey to their next nearest HSBC in the Hampden Park area.

The cash machine at the site will also be removed, meaning residents will have to travel more than a mile to withdraw cash at the Esso garage or ASDA.

This week residents signed petitions against the bank closure and Shirley Mackinnon, who has previously spoken about her concerns in the Herald, has scheduled a meeting with the area manager.

Shirley, a Coast Road resident, explained the villagers wanted HSBC to retain a cash machine in Pevensey and allow customers to do their banking via the Post Office.

She said, “It is not just the residents it is the businesses too. They do not want to have to go to a different town to bank their takings.

“Also, holidaymakers staying in the nearby campsites will not have anywhere to withdraw cash if they want to visit the pubs and shops in Pevensey and Pevensey Bay.”

John Grout, chairman of the parish council, has also voiced his concerns about the villages many elderly residents having to get on a bus to do their banking.
Petitions against the closure are available at the 1066 Shop, newsagents, doctors and bakers in Pevensey Bay.

A spokesperson from HSBC said, “HSBC does not make a decision to close a branch lightly. We appreciate the impact such a move can have on some customers and do what we can to minimise the effects and address community concerns.

“Among other measures, HSBC gives customers a minimum of 12 weeks’ notice that a branch will be closing and can offer training on how to use telephone and internet banking and how to set up direct debits and standing orders.”

^{STORY SOURCE : EASTBOURNE TODAY 1 OCTOBER 2010}