Godalming's branch of HSBC is set to shut its doors permanently on Friday, 23rd July.

The High Street branch is one of 82 branches set to close across the country. Three other branches are set to shut in Surrey: those in Dorking, Walton and Staines.

HSBC says the closures have been made in response to 'market trends, customer behaviour and branch usage.' The company adds that 81 of the branches which will be shut are within one mile of a Post Office branch, while two-thirds are within five miles of another HSBC branch and nine in 10 are within 10 miles of a branch.

Jackie Uhi, HSBC UK head of network, said: 'The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for the changes that we are making.

'It hasn't pushed us in a different direction but reinforces the things that we were focusing on before and has crystalised our thinking. This is a strategic direction that we need to take to have a branch network fit for the future.

'Making sure we have a sustainable branch network is essential to us, and decisions to close branches are not taken lightly."

An HSBC Spokesman told Godalming Nub News: "We aim to redeploy all customer service colleagues who are impacted by these branch closures into suitable nearby locations.

"When we announce these changes we provide our customers with at least 12 weeks' notice during which time we will be doing our utmost to help any customers that have concerns. "Our branch staff will be available to talk through the many alternative ways of banking and we will take steps to proactively contact customers who may have problems accessing alternative banking facilities. "During our proactive contacting with customers we will supporting and training customers on practical solutions such as telephone, internet and mobile banking where appropriate.

"We will also be advising our customers on the benefits of using their debit card more effectively, as well as providing help to those that are not familiar with them.

"Our customers can also use any of the Post Office counters to pay in cash and cheques, withdraw money or check their balance." Like what we do? Please Follow our Facebook page!