Closure of HSBC bank in Bushey will see elderly residents 'suffer the most'

HSBC has announced it will be closing its Bushey and Oxhey branch in Chalk Hill on December 4.

The bank said that the reason for the closure is due to the decline in the number of people using the branch and an increase in people using online and telephone banking.

However, neighbours disagree and have a said that the branch is well used by everyone in Bushey and Oxhey.

Julie Ghai, 42, of Cross Road, said: "There is always queue in there so I don't know why they would consider closing it - the short opening hours are bad enough. Majority of the people around here use the cash machine - it's the only one within walking distance.

"It's the elderly residents that will suffer most, particularly those who do not drive or use online banking."

The next nearest HSCB branch is in High Street, Watford. The next closest ATM would either be in High Street, Bushey or Watford town centre.

Ms Ghair, who works as a teaching assistant, added: "It's not just the residents that use the bank. There are several schools who often use the bank - particularly to get bags of change when they have summer fairs."

Another residents of Cross Road, Patricia Lett said it would be quite handy keeping the bank open because of the number of people that use it and there is nowhere else near.

The 80-year-old added: "I'm still getting my head round using the internet let alone banking on there. And there will be people here who don't use it at all or be able to drive to the next nearest bank."

Oxhey ward councillor Peter Taylor said he is trying to organise a meeting with HSBC to see if an alternative can be found.

He said: "The branch is well used and it does not make sense - especially considering they put in a brand new cash machine in the summer.

"The residents have come to rely on it and if it closes it's going to be a difficult step. I want to see why they think there is a lack of demand for this branch."

Steve Gracey, spokesperson for HSBC, said: "We never take the decision to close a branch lightly, and we understand it's unsettling for the local community.

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