A MAJOR bank has announced several branch closures across Oxfordshire.
HSBC will close branches in Carterton, Chipping Norton and Kidlington in May this year.
The closures are just three of 62 in the UK announced by the bank yesterday.
Head of retail banking and wealth management Francesca McDonagh said: “The way our customers bank with us is changing. More customers are using mobile and internet banking than ever before and fewer people are using branches.
"More than 90 per cent of our interactions with customers are now through our digital channels – an increase from 80 per cent last year.
“The decision to close these branches ensures a more sustainable branch network for the future as we continue to invest in our digital platforms and our people.
"We will have fewer but better branches, with more empowered front line colleagues using a greater range of technology to support all our customers' needs."
The branches in Carterton (Alvescot Road) and Kidlington (High Street) will close on Friday, May 5, with the branch in Chipping Norton (Market Place) due to close on Friday, May 12.
Over the past five years, the number of customers using HSBC branches has fallen by almost 40 per cent. 93 per cent of customers’ contact with the bank is now completed via the telephone, internet or smartphone and 97 per cent of cash withdrawals are made via cashpoint.
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