TAUNTON Deane MP Rebecca Pow says she is ‘sad’ the HSBC bank in Wellington is closing later this month but is confident another use will be found for the building.

Ms Pow met bank representatives to discuss the closure of the branch in Fore Street, which has seen a significant reduction in footfall and is set to shut on February 24.

Some 86% of branch customers use digital banking but Ms Pow is keen to ensure that those who do not have access to internet banking are still able to access the services they need.

HSBC said it is making the transition to digital banking easier by investing in new technologies such as fingerprint and voice recognition, in place of passwords, which many find hard to remember.

For customers who do not wish to use online services, HSBC has begun a partnership with the Post Office in which over-the-counter services will continue for no fee. Bank staff will be on hand to give a tutorial on these new services for customers who are unsure of the change.

Ms Pow said: “I was pleased to meet with HSBC and ensure that all was being done to assist the users of the bank in Wellington town centre.

“Whilst as the MP I am unable to influence the commercial decision to close the branch, I was particularly pleased to see the range of options on offer to customers.

“I urge all those who are sceptical of these changes to visit the bank and talk to the staff who will walk through the alternatives or arrange an in-depth one-on-one session.

“ It is very sad to see the bank leave the town centre but this is an unfortunate trend that we are seeing nationally as more and more of our lives becomes digitalised.

“As the building is in a prime town centre locality I am confident the space will be snapped up, especially as the local economy is thriving.”