THE SDLP’s Sinéad McLaughlin has called on HSBC to reconsider its decision to close its Derry branch.
The bank is transferring its business from The Diamond in the city to the Coleraine branch over 30 miles away.
It announced today it is closing 69 branches across the UK and the North of Ireland affecting some 400 staff because of the switch to online banking.
As well as Derry, HSBC is also closing its Omagh branch.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I have today written to HSBC, asking it to reconsider its decision to close its bank branch in Derry.
“It is particularly galling to see business transfer to Coleraine, which is over 30 miles away.
“This is not an effective substitute, expecting customers to travel around an hour each way if they need to conduct business within a branch.
“Derry has suffered a succession of bank branch closures over recent times. This is bad news for both customers and staff.
“Customers are being left with inadequate choice, while I have serious concerns for the staff affected.”
