Come round here and we call the police says bank

You are viewing content from Sunshine Radio Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

Friday, 30 June 2023 20:12

By Gavin McEwan - Local Democracy Reporter

Owners of a prominent Hereford bank have warned county officials not to even visit the outside of the bank to assess a planning application or they will call the police.

HSBC intends replacing the three cash machines at its High Town branch and to introduce illuminated panels above them, and also to install two CCTV cameras on the outside of the building.

One of the three ATMs will be installed lower down for wheelchair access, requiring alterations to the window and stonework.

But in its application for the move, for which only the signage requires permission, the bank says: “Advance approval is required before a site visit — even if the visit is only to the outside of the branch.

“Due to heightened awareness of criminality around bank branches, staff will spot and report incidence of suspicious activity to the local constabulary.”

It says officials must gain approval for any visits at least three working days in advance, “to avoid any undue interaction with the police”.

The bank has also redacted details of the building’s interior from submitted plans, “for security reasons”.

The three-storey bank building is not listed but is within the city’s central conservation area.

Comments on its application for advertisement consent, numbered 231799, can be made until July 27.