WITH the closure of the HSBC branch at Bor-don’s Forest Shopping Centre, penciled in for later this month, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has stepped in to offer help to local people.

Customers were told, at the end of May, that the Bordon branch would be closing on August 21- HSBC said that while the decision was not taken “lightly”, the bank had seen a 40 per cent reduction in footfall over the past four years and had to make cutbacks.

The news came as Orchard Grove Asset Management, in London, took over the Forest Centre with a promise of investment to make it more attractive to customers.

Whitehill Town Council leader and East Hampshire district councillor Adam Carew said that, “like many Whitehill and Bordon councillors and residents”, he was “shocked and appalled at HSBC’s decision to pull out of the Forest Shopping Centre just as the new owners are planning to invest so much time and money into its regeneration”.

Core to the reason for reduced footfall is customers turning to alternatives, such as online transactions, for all their banking needs.

However, Mr Carew went on to highlight the difficulty some customers, particularly the elderly, have using these services, with many of them preferring a face-to-face scenario. “And given public transport issues, it seems ludicrous for our residents to have to travel even further just to access their bank account,” he added.

But the CAB has said it is on hand to offer help where it can.

In a statement, Bordon’s bureau said the closure of the bank would be “a sad passing” but added there were “other banking alternatives” which it is keen for residents to consider.

“The Post Office can offer many of the services provided by the high-street banks and many are within three miles of 99 per cent of the population of the UK with more than 11,000 branches,” the CAB added.

“Since 2012, 80 per cent of UK debit-card holders have been able to make free cash withdrawals at any Post Office.

“HSBC, along with many other banks, has had an arrangement with the Post Office, allowing clients to access their current accounts, check balances and make deposits at Post Office counters all over the country.

“Arrangements with the Post Office and other banks may differ and are worth checking out. Statement requests, though, still have to be made directly to the bank.

“The loss of HSBC in Bordon does not mean the end of banking in Bordon which many still value.

“Numerous people are still not convinced by telephone and internet banking due to security concerns.

“By using the Post Office counter they can still continue to bank in the way they are most comfortable, with a friendly face across the counter.

“Bordon’s Post Office, located in Martin’s the newsagent, is open until 6.30pm on weekdays and 3.30pm on Saturdays and run by Pam Haig, the manager. She is happy, along with all her staff, to discuss the services on offer or can be contacted on 01420 489522.

“Another option for people whose sole income is benefits is a provision by the simple payment service, managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (www.gov.uk/simple-payment). This is for those on benefits who are unable to open a bank account.

“Paypoint outlets are located in newsagents and convenience stores countrywide, with several located in the Bordon area, and work on a card system and do not require a PIN or the need for passwords. This is also an easy way for those who may rely on carers to collect their money. Check out what types of accounts are on offer at www.postoffice.co.uk and find the one that suits your needs.”

Mr Carew added that councillors had made it clear they did not want HSBC to close and they had urged the Forest Centre’s new owners to encourage another bank to ultimately replace it.

“Given the growth of Whitehill and Bordon, leaving our town with just one bank (Lloyds) is not acceptable, especially as its site lease expires within a few years,” he said.

“We strongly welcome any serious investment in the Forest Shopping Centre and will await the owner’s planning application and the final package of new proposals with interest.”

Bordon’s CAB office is able to go through the advantages and disadvantages of banking alternatives and any other queries residents may have.