I, a loyal customer, am greatly concerned about the potential closure of the HSBC branch in St Sampson. This branch offers invaluable services to numerous local individuals and businesses, who rely heavily on its facilities. In late 2020, it was reported that HSBC planned to close 82 branches across the UK (obviously Guernsey is not part of the UK) as part of its cost-cutting measures in response to the shift towards online banking (source: BBC, 19 January 2021). However, it's important to understand that not everyone has the ability or the means to switch to digital banking. Many customers, particularly the elderly and those without access to stable internet, depend heavily on in-person banking services provided by branches like HSBC St Sampson. Apart from providing essential banking services, the branch also plays a significant role in the local community and its closure will be detrimental to the rejuvenation of the area. Its closure will not only disrupt people’s financial routines, but can also lead to job losses. As of now, HSBC employs around 40,000 people in the UK (source: Reuters, 21 January 2021), and each branch closure has its human toll. We must rally to prevent the closure of the HSBC St Sampson if we value community, accessibility, and employment. Please, sign this petition and let HSBC know we depend on their St Sampson branch, and we want it to remain open. The decision to close this branch appears to make little sense as it serves around 30% of the population of the island (in the Vale and St Sampson) compared to around 6,500 residents in St Martins where the local branch will apparently remain open.