NEWS (latest at top)
Monday 1st March 2010: IMPORTANT NOTICE
Update: Bank 'X' asks for assistance.
The first day of Spring, and with it signs of regeneration in Whitchurch! After a long winter that ended with the town losing its last full service bank, The Save Whitchurch Bank team are very happy to have news of developments.
Late last year the Newbury Building Society was approached by a High Street bank ('Bank X'), who had seen the coverage of our banking crisis and were interested in a shared banking scheme in Whitchurch. The idea being that the Newbury Building Society branch could be used for businesses and customers of Bank X to conduct transactions, instead of having to travel to Andover or Basingstoke.
Discussions have now progressed, and 'Bank X' have asked the SWB team to gather feedback from all local businesses on what banking services they would like to see provided through the Newbury Building Society branch. This opportunity also applies to all individuals who may wish to consider transferring their banking to a local outlet.
In addition to telling us what critical banking sevices you want to see provided, it would help if you could also let us know who you currently bank with - that way Bank X can quickly identify its existing customers who might wish to be involved in a trial service through the Newbury Building Society branch.
You can have your say in several different ways:
Write to: the SWB Team,
c/o Town Hall, Newbury Street, Whitchurch, RG28 7DW
or email:
Save Whitchurch Bank
Monday 22nd February 2010
Update: Town Hall Trustees meet.
The Town Hall Trustees (members of the Town Council) met to discuss the future of the now empty HSBC accommodation which is still leased to the Bank.
Several ideas were presented for future use of the premises which could prove to be quite exciting and further investigation is to continue.
The Trustees and the Save Whitchurch Bank members together confirmed that the main aim must be to retain banking services in Whitchurch and the Town Council has undertaken to explore a number of avenues.
Any developments will be reported here as soon as known.
Thursday 28th January
ATM is now operational.
Monday 25th January 2010
ATM to be available soon.
HSBC gave a rapid response to the Save Whitchurch Bank team's query on the non operational ATM:
"Please can I assure you that this is only a temporary situation and is a result of the administration of the cash machine being undertaken by an external security company who will ensure the provision of this service following the closure of our branch facilities.
I would like to extend my sincere apologies to you and the other customers in the local community affected by this inconvenience. I expect our cash machine to be back in service in the coming days once this necessary transition has been completed."
Friday 22nd January 2010
MAYOR PRESENTS FLOWERS TO STAFF AS HSBC LOCK THE DOORS...
The pouring rain was perhaps a higher presence's opinion of the closure as campaign members and supporters met outside the HSBC.
Town Mayor Vince Bradbury, chairman of the Save Whitchurch's Last Bank team, presented Alison and Bobbie with flowers and thanked them for their work in providing such a friendly and approachable service to the people of Whitchurch. When the door closed for the last time at 3.30pm exactly, a wreath was attached to the now ex-bank and a RIP notice posted.
Above: Mayor Vince Bradbury and members of SWB present flowers to Alison and Bobbie.
Whitchurch may have lost its last bank but the campaign has achieved a lot of success, including:
• HSBC ATM being retained beyond the Bank's closure;
• offers of workshops to affected customers;
• improvements to the Newbury Building Society brought forward;
• ongoing talks on a national bank cooperating with the building society;
• a fee-free ATM in Burnaby's and
• a new 24/7 ATM when the Coop refurbishes the Somerfield store.
The style of campaign has also gained much respect, with consultation and dialogue being to the fore, rather that the usual negative banner-waving. Although the Bank has closed, this approach has been favourably recognised in many quarters showing that a campaign built on respect for one's 'adversaries' may have greater chances of achieving positive results.
Of course there is a big thank you to all in the town and elsewhere who have been supporting the efforts to retain the Bank; it being a terrific cooperation between residents, businesses and the Town Council. The benefits of this community cooperation are sure to continue into the future.
19th January 2010, updated 22nd January (with picture)
CO-OP ATM PLANS CONFIRMED
The Whitchurch Bank team is pleased that following representations and discussions the Co-op has confirmed that it will install an ATM into its planned refurbishment of the Somerfield store, subject to planning permission. This will be on the Bell Street frontage.
Above: Save Whitchurch Bank supporters try out the new location!
Details of the planning application are here: BDB/718905
The Save Whitchurch Bank team asks all who support the Co-op's submitted plans for an ATM to let Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council know.
A planning application is required as it affects the frontage of a building within the Conservation Area.
December 2009
MORE NEWS ON TOWN ATMs
Co-op, Burnaby's and Newbury Building Society
The Save Whitchurch Bank team has been informed that the Co-op are considering an ATM in their Somerfield store. The Co-op's financial services publicity director stated today that the ATM is "definitely not confirmed" as has been published elsewhere, but that it was looking "very positive".
A decision is to be taken "in late January 2010".
Another ATM in the Whitchurch can only be good news as it provides further choice alongside those in Burnabys and Tescos. Another development is that we understand that Burnaby's may be considering changing their's to a fee-free machine to match Tescos, which would only be beneficial to its users. Similarly other businesses such as some pubs already offer cash back type services. However the main aim must be to focus on retaining a 24/7 machine as well as improving access to wider banking services.
SWB is hopeful that the announcement of talks between a high street bank and the Newbury Building Society as announced at the Public Meeting will prove fruitful.
Meanwhile the Newbury has brought forward its planned refurbishment into January in the light of the HSBC proposed withdrawal. The local Branch will be closed on 11th January and they apologise for any inconvenience.
 Might Whitchurch have one of these?
Whilst this is good news SWB remains committed to the retention of a fee free 24/7 machine.
15th December
SIR GEORGE PAYS TRIBUTE
Visit Sir George Young's website for his report of the campaign and the Public Meeting - "This has been positive and professional" said the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons:
SIR GEORGE YOUNG'S WEBSITE
11th December
PUBLIC MEETING SUCCESS
Above: Sir George Young MP addresses the meeting
Packed Meeting
A packed and attentive audience in Testbourne Theatre, with standing room only, saw the latest stage of the Save Whitchurch Bank campaign's aim to keep a bank in the small Hampshire town, following HSBC's announcement that they were to close the town's last remaining bank.
Opened by Town Mayor Vince Bradbury, the assembled audience heard how local residents had approached the Town Council to create a true community campaign. They learned of the various levels at which the campaign had worked from grass roots to HSBC boardroom. Sir George Young MP, now Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, detailed the importance of local banking to local communities and the value of professional communication. However, Sir George expressed disappointment that HSBC had not consulted locally before deciding to close the Branch.
A Very Professional Campaign
"This has been a very vigorous, very positive, and very professional campaign" was how Sir George opened his presentation. The campaign's reasoned discussion is producing positive outcomes, with the innovative business-like approach receiving national interest.
Meanwhile a petition of over 1700 had asked HSBC to talk with the town, but they had declined the invitation to attend. They sent apologies and the seat remained empty.
Residents, customers, local government heads, business agencies and Sir George had all lobbied HSBC to the highest levels. The meeting heard how information was collected on branch footfall, ATM useage and local business use as well as on the other financial services available to the town. Ideas had also been discussed on innovative community banking schemes. There was a sharp intake of breath as it was announced the very low rent that HSBC had been paying for the premises.
 
Above: The attentive audience asked many constructive questions.
Campaign Success
A major campaign success was HSBC reversing its plans to remove the ATM and it would now remain until an alternative location were found. This is excellent news for the town as there is no other 24-hour machine, and is a credit to the hard work of the campaign team and those working behind the scenes particularly those who had spent days out in all weathers collecting information. HSBC are commended in this change of heart.
Exciting evidence
But while HSBC remain committed to closing the Whitchurch Branch, the campaign team has received exciting evidence that other banks consider the town as a viable location for banking. Newbury Building Society which already has an office in the Town Square has informed the campaign group that it has been approached by at least one high street bank interested in working with them to provide additional banking services. Geoff Knappett, Development Director of the Society, who spoke at the meeting, said "This is a good sign that Whitchurch is seen as a viable investment by a major bank".
Wealth of Support available
Guest speaker John Carroll from North Hampshire Enterprise then explained the wealth of information that was available to small and large businesses and how support was readily available. The Save Whitchurch Bank group and the Town Council will be working together locally to ensure that as much information as possible is now made available for local residents and businesses.
Any enquiries on the meeting can be sent HERE.
10th December PUBLIC MEETING TODAY
Everyone is urged to come along to the Public Meeting TODAY to discuss the present banking situation in Whitchurch following HSBS's plans to close the Town's LAST BANK.
As well as members of the local campaign Sir George Young MP, and Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, will be attending. HSBC have been invited as have a number of other organisations.
This is the chance to hear plans for the future - and possibly some new developments - as well as speaking to those who represent the Town's residents and bank customers.
The meeting is NOT confrontational, it is a forum to be able to discuss local community needs for individuals, businesses and groups.
7th December
Remember if you have any questions for HSBC or for the Save Whitchurch Bank team please send them through HERE
Scouts to help
Whitchurch Scouts have kindly offered to help with the external marshalling at Testbourne. They are also raising funds to help the Explorers Scouts to undertake a visit major scouting event overseas, so any donations would be most welcome.
Plans progress for meeting
Plans for the Public Meeting on 10th December at Testbourne are progressing and all are urged to attend. We are pleased that other organisations are adjusting their times of activities to allow as many as possible to attend. Anyone attending is advised to work out any questions in advance, and in particular on what they require for their banking needs.
SWB can advise on how to ensure that any queries are dealt with.
Please send any questions you may have HERE
Click on thumbnail below to download a poster:
 <<click to download
ATM to remain
We have some good news.
In personal discussion with senior management, HSBC has confirmed that they will now retain the ATM*. The bank is to be applauded for recognising its importance to the Town. It will remain in its present location at the Town Hall until an alternative is found.
The 1500 who have helped by signing the petition, lobbying the bank with letters and working hard at the senior banking levels are to be congratulated for their efforts. The Town Council is to be commended in endorsing the non-political local campaign and in working closely with local residents and businesses, in pulling together to press for its retention. The support from our MP, Sir George Young, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, is greatly thanked. This community teamwork has shown dividends.
The banking giant has made a welcome decision in reviewing and recognising that the ATM is commercially viable as a stand-alone facility. This turnaround is excellent news for all those who use it and a credit to all who have been supporting the campaign.
* we have been promised a letter of confirmation.
OVER 1500 SIGN PETITION asking HSBC to talk with local residents...
The Save the Whitchurch Bank team announced that over 1500 people have already signed the petition calling for HSBC to meet and talk to local residents and Bank users. They include individuals, businesses and local organisations who all call on the Bank to consult locally.
It is an incredible number for such a small town showing the strength of support for meaningful dialogue over the proposed closure.
Meanwhile a reply is awaited from HSBC on the invitation to the Public Meeting on Thursday 10th December in the Testbourne Theatre, where it is hoped discussion on how HSBC and the Town can work together for the best of all can be given consideration.
Amongst the guests will be the Rt Hon Sir George Young MP Bt, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.
24th November
SUPPORT FROM BASINGSTOKE & DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL FOR THE CAMPAIGN
The leader of B&DBC, Councillor Andrew Finney, has written to Mrs Jos Robson of HSBC- you can read his letter in full HERE.
The Save Whitchurch Bank campaign thanks Andrew for his letter and trusts that HSBC will take on board his suggestions, and come to the public meeting on the 10th December to answer the questions he raises.
The letter points out that B&DBC have been supporting the local community in Whitchurch by funding projects that will increase the footfall in Whitchurch.
Such initiatives will only increase the opportunities that HSBC will have for creating new business in its branch. The increased use of its ATM, for people to get money to spend locally, will add to the bottom line of HSBC (all banks get fees from one another when processing ATM transactions, even if you don't see this charge directly).
The SWB committee encourage you to support Andrew Finney's positive, professional approach to HSBC by writing your own letter to HSBC indicating the positive benefit their bank has on your activities.
20th November
PUBLIC MEETING LATEST
We are pleased that our MP, the Rt Hon Sir George Young MP Bt, has confirmed that he will be able to attend the Public Meeting at 8.00pm on 10th December in the Testbourne Theatre. He will be joined by members of the Town Council and the Save Whitchurch Bank team.
HSBC has been asked to attend, and we hope they take the opportunity to provide positive interraction with the community.
Click on thumbnail below to download a poster:
<<click to download
Community pulling together:
For anyone attending the Church Christmas Concert in All Hallows we are pleased that the times for this are being arranged so that there will be time to attend the Save Whitchurch Bank public meeting.
: 16th November
Main story on BBC local radio
The main story in peak time on today's local radio station was the Whitchurch Save the Bank campaign. The emphasis was on encouraging HSBC to meet with local people to see how the bank could remain. There were spokespersons from the campaign group, Whitchurch businesses and local residents all contributing to a balanced discussion.
PUBLIC MEETING CONFIRMED
8.00pm Thursday 10th DECEMBER 2009
TESTBOURNE COMMUNITY THEATRE HALL
All are encouraged to attend this meeting - it will be the best chance to be heard as a community and to stop the closure of our last bank in the town and for miles around.
It is essential that you, your family, your local friends and, if you work in a local business, your business partners come along.
We must have as many people in front of the HSBC management as possible.
Mark it in your calendar now - Thursday 10th December, 8pm, at Testbourne Community School Theatre Hall.
REMEMBER:
The last bank in Whitchurch, the HSBC branch in the Town Hall, is scheduled for closure on 22 January 2010 at 3:30pm.
The hole-in-the-wall will become literally that, too - HSBC will be removing the only 24 hour ATM machine for miles around.
For further details contact us HERE
posted: 11th November
CAN YOU SPARE JUST A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME?
As part of the Save The Bank campaign, we urgently need volunteers to help gather signatures and information from bank customers and ATM users during bank hours.
Full training provided, and a cup of tea too if you're really lucky.
Could you spare an hour or two? If so, please get in touch via email to the web forums, the website or pop into the Town Hall.
EMAIL • FORUM
3rd November 2009
TOWN COUNCIL ENDORSES PETITION AND WEBSITE
It is tremendous news that the Town Council endorsed both the Petition and this website at their full Council Meeting last Monday (2nd November). The community is united on this travesty which will be devasting to individuals, businesses and organisations in the Town and its surrounding area.
SURVEY
A survey of bank customers is being undertaken and volunteers are sought. Please contact Cathy at the Town Hall on 01256 892107 or drop her an email if you can spare some time, whether for a quarter-of-an-hour or a few hours - all will be helpful.
PUBLIC MEETING
It is planned to hold a public meeting to which senior managers of HSBC will be invited to address the public and to listen to the concerns of bank users and other local people. Full details will be available when confirmed.
ATM
Latest unconfirmed news is that the ATM will be removed at the same time the bank closes. Even more reason to sign the Petition and to make your views known to HSBC.
You can track the developing story at the Whitchurch Forums HERE
A Facebook site has also been created:
SAVE WHITCHURCH BANK FACEBOOK
If you would like to be kept informed of known local news/campaigns related to this closure please Email HERE
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