After four decades the Sheerness branch of HSBC is set to close in January.

The banking giant has blamed declining footfall, calling the decision to shut a “difficult” one to make.

But Island customers have been left upset after being told they will have to travel to
Sittingbourne for face-to-face contact with tellers.

Former borough councillor Mike Brown, who is also treasurer of a number charities, including Sheppey Matters, called the news “a blow to the Island”.

He said: “There is a concern because of my role as treasurer and I use the bank to put all our money in.

“The letter we’ve had says we can use the Sittingbourne branch, but that is no good.

“It’s another thing Sheerness is losing and we like to support local things, local shops
and purchase stuff locally.”

Other customers have also slammed HSBC’s decision, saying it will make life tough for the elderly and those without transport.

Ray Waterman, of St George’s Avenue, Sheerness, said: “I’m considering changing banks and I’ve been with HSBC since it was the Midland Bank.

“I think they will lose customers over this – I know older people who bank over there, who don’t want to travel off the Island.”

But HSBC bosses have defended the move, arguing an increase in online and
telephone banking had made the closure inevitable.

A spokesman for the company said in a statement: “We understand it’s unsettling for the local community.

“Over the past few years the use of the Sheerness branch has fallen significantly, and we’ve taken the difficult decision to close it.

“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.”

He also made assurances the bank would relocate the two full-time members of staff
working there ahead of the January 8 closure date.