REGARDING your article about HSBC closing the branch in Tredegar, having previously closed its branch in Blaenavon, you should also note the branch in Newbridge is closing on October 11.

HSBC says customers’ business will be managed by the Blackwood branch, the option being to transfer to the Risca branch. It also, in a letter to customers, says: “You can also use the post office to pay in cash or cheques, withdraw money and check balances.”

This, however, takes little account of convenience and disruption to customers.

The question is how long before HSBC closes those branches in a quest to maximise profits and for customers to use internet banking or whatever other reasons they may have for closing branches? It’s certainly not a lack of footfall in the Newbridge branch as there has always been a queue of customers.

As it is we have two other banks in Newbridge and are able to transfer bank accounts to one of them rather than travel to the HSBC Blackwood branch where parking would be more difficult.

But what about other customers, especially the elderly and infirm who would have difficulties coping with these changes?

I see little point in discussing with HSBC which would likely only pay lip-service to such, and continue to look after its own interests and profits to the detriment of customers.

L J Cockram Newbridge Gwent