THE Winton branch of HSBC has officially closed its doors today, seven months after the bank announced the closure of 82 branches nationwide.

The branch is located at 396 Wimborne Road and a HSBC spokesperson said: “This will doubtlessly be disappointing to HSBC’s customers in Bournemouth. However, alternative banking provision is available to local residents at post office branches nearby.”

The nearest post offices to the closing bank are:

1. Winton PO on 391-393 Wimborne Road

2. Charminster Road PO on 63-65 Charminster Road

3. Ensbury Park PO on 9 Columbia Road

Each of these branches offer banking services – including deposits, free cash withdrawals and balance checks, as well as offering face-to-face access to government services, bill payment, foreign currency, travel insurance and, of course, postal services.

Following the announcement in January, HSBC said the Covid-19 pandemic had seen a greater shift to online banking although insisted the closures were not entirely related to the lockdowns and restrictions introduced.

Staff in branches facing closure are expected to be redeployed to other branches and sites within 15 miles of their homes, the bank said.