Cromer's branch of HSBC closes down today
It's just the latest high street bank in Norfolk to close its doors
Cromer's branch of HSBC is to close its doors for the final time today, becoming just the latest high street bank in the county to shut down.
The outlet on Brook Street is one of 114 due to close across the country over the next year.
HSBC says its having to cut back as more customers are moving online, although the closure of high street branches has raised concerns about access to financial support for people unable to access the internet.
Speaking as the closures were announced last year Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK’s Managing Director of UK Distribution, said: “People are changing the way they bank and footfall in many branches is at an all-time low, with no signs of it returning.
"Banking remotely is becoming the norm for the vast majority of us.
"Not only can we do it anywhere at any time of day or night, many more things can be done at the customers’ convenience and don’t rely on a branch visit."
Stats published by HSBC to accompany the news, say more over nine in 10 transactions (97.5 percent) are now completed digitally.
The bank also says use of its branches by regular customers has fallen by 65 percent in the last five years and some that are set to close are seeing fewer than 250 customers a week.
“Branches will continue to play an important role in day-to-day banking, while providing specialist face-to-face support in moments that matter," Ms Uhi said.
"In addition to our branch network, customers can access services through the Post Office network, our Community Pop-ups and soon-to-come Banking Hubs, alongside Live Chat, social media and through telephone banking."
She added that the decision to close a branch is "never easy or taken lightly" especially if the branch in question is the last in that particular area.