Official statement; Harpenden Building Society advising customers of permanent branch closures at Wendover and Buckingham
We would like to provide all of our members an update on our decision to permanently close the Wendover and Buckingham branches with immediate effect.
As a Society we frequently review our business to ensure we can continue to operate in the long term interests of our members, both current and future. We recognise that branches will remain an important option for some members, however we commit to continually reviewing our access to services (including the branch network) to make sure that the branches we operate are in the right locations to meet the current and future needs of all our members.
At the start of the year, as part of our normal business review process and strategic planning, we completed an in-depth assessment and reviewed all our branches where a lease is ending within the next 12 months. The volume of cash withdrawals and footfall compared to our other branches, the geographical locations, and most recently, the government guidance on social distancing in a Covid-Secure workplace have all been assessed. As a result, we have taken the necessary decision to close the Wendover and Buckingham locations, which are the two smallest and least utilised branches in our network.
What to do now
We recognise that these closures may be an inconvenient and unwelcome change for some of our members who enjoy using the branch facilities in Wendover and Buckingham and the relationship they have built with the branch team. We are committed to ensure that members are fully supported in their transition to using our other channels, as listed below. You have a number of options available, which include using alternative branches, our online services or post, all of which are detailed below.
We are also currently exploring options that may be suitable for members in these locations to access services on the high street through other retailers as well as further development of our online and digital services. We will keep members informed of our progress through updates here on our website.
We take our role as active sponsors in the local community very seriously and will continue with our sponsorship commitments, in particular through our Community Fund which is being allocated to support charities focussed on vulnerable individuals who are struggling with funds due to the Covid-19 crisis.
If you have been affected by these branch closures, here are some alternative ways you can continue to save with us:
- Members are encouraged to register for online banking if they have not done so already. Just visit the Online Services page. It is an easy way for you to manage your accounts with us
- Members can also use alternative branch facilities at Tring, Leighton Buzzard, Harpenden and Radlett. For full details of any changes to our opening times, visit the Our Branches section.
- You can also open or operate your account by post to our Member Services Team. Visit our Postal Service page for our product information and to download our postal service forms
How to contact us
- Online Services: Register or Login for our Online Services, you can contact us easily using this platform
- By phone: Our Member Services Team are able to provide support and guidance to members and are open 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday; they can be contacted on 01582 765411. To allow us to help you quickly, please have your customer information ready.
- By email: Contact us at enquiries@harpendenbs.co.uk
We are here to help and very much value your loyalty to the Society. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can assist you in any way.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Howe, Chief Executive
Added 11am, Monday June 22nd 2020