Caxton Road branch is to close Pic: Google

A global banking giant has announced it is closing one of its Preston branches.

HSBC is shutting its Lancashire Commercial Centre during 2017.

It says a lack of customers visiting it in store means it has taken the decision to close the Caxton Road branch, Fulwood.

A statement released by the bank said:

“This week we have written to all our local customers to inform them that the Lancashire Commercial Centre branch will close on 3rd March 2017, and advise them of local alternatives, as well as offering them 1-2-1 sessions to help explain their options or provide help in setting up mobile or internet banking.

“We continually review our branch network to make sure our branches are in the right locations for our customers and we have a sustainable network for the future. Over the past five years, we have seen footfall reduce at our branches by a total of 40%. Sometimes we have to make the difficult decision to close branches, however these are not decisions we take lightly and we work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.

“With regard to the Lancashire Commercial Centre branch, we have advised our customers that there is an alternative branch in Preston, should customers wish to visit a branch and talk to a member of the HSBC team face to face.

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“That said, 93% of contact with the bank is now completed via the telephone, internet or smartphone, plus 97% of cash withdrawals are made via an ATM. As a result, most of our customers are already carrying out their daily banking needs without need of the branch itself. In addition to mobile and internet banking, we have put in place a number of measures to help customers, including a partnership with the Post Office so our customers can still carry out their day to day banking.

“We will be working closely with our customers in the coming weeks to ensure they are fully aware of all the measures in place to support them.

“We will keep you updated on our efforts to mitigate the impact of the branch closure on our customers at Lancashire Commercial Centre and the branch catchment area.”

One member of staff is affected by the closure and HSBC says it is hoping to relocate them.

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