I HAVE just received a letter from HSBC notifying customers that their branches at Boroughbridge and Knaresborough will be closing in October this year.

They advise customers to familiarise themselves with the alternative branches in Ripon and Harrogate and to consider other ways of banking, notably telephone and online.

The letter also recommends that customers should consider using the Post Office instead.

Living near Easingwold, we have already witnessed the closure this month of the local NatWest and heard strong rumours from bank staff that it is only a matter of time before HSBC closes, with customers advised to travel to York, Thirsk or Malton.

What has happened to customer service?

How do these highly-paid bank executives expect the elderly and infirm to travel 15 miles to the nearest alternative branch?

Are they living in the same world as the rest of us?

Robert Porter, Mosswood House, Crayke