The only bank in Saltdean, the popular HSBC in Longridge Avenue, is scheduled to close in June. The branch provides a vital community service to local residents and businesses. Its closure will mean an increased risk of crime as customers will have to carry cash over prolonged distances.

On Monday local customer Kate Harmond urged the Saltdean Residents’ Association to protest against the proposal. While a parliamentary candidate Simon Burgess gave his support to preventing the closure and Simon Kirby MP is also aware of the situation.

The Argus news desk is proposing to cover the closure and BBC Radio Sussex featured the issue last month.

Saltdean residents are urged to contact local political representatives to canvass their views on the bank’s position, and to contact HSBC spokesperson Dionne Nicholson on 08456 039093 or email servicequality@hsbc.com .

You do not have to have an account there to make your protest. A spokesman from HSBC said: ”Customers are making use of other banking methods such as telephone and internet banking...and the regular 12 bus service operates to branches in Newhaven or Brighton.”

Like many others, local resident Val Barritt is devastated. She depends on the branch to pay wages directly to the carers she employs to support her disabled husband; the Post Office cannot offer this service.

Businessman Rodger Meighan, owner of HR Hardware in Longridge Avenue, said “After 30 years as a loyal HSBC customer, I have transferred my banking to Alliance and Leicester, so I can use the Post Office. It would be impossible to travel to Brighton after a long working day to deposit my takings.”

HSBC clearly fails to recognise the needs of Saltdean residents, not least those of us dependent on the hourly 47 bus which takes 40 minutes each way to Brighton, and the many without access to telephone or internet banking. The staff at the Saltdean branch provide an exceptionally good service, including social support to older residents, help with personal financial questions, and a safe and friendly environment for cash transactions. It needs to stay!