HSBC has announced plans to close 27 branches - including two in Wirral - this year following a review.

The branch in Wallasey will close on July 10, with its Heswall store shutting later in the year.

A spokesperson for the company told the Globe that no Wirral jobs are at risk, with staff from both branches moving to nearby sites.

The company also said it will refurbish 49 of its branches across the year.

Falling customer numbers and an increase in online banking are behind the closure decision. 

Stuart Haire, HSBC UK's Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, said: "Retaining a sustainable branch network is extremely important to us and we need to ensure it is fit for the future.

"But, the way our customers bank with us has changed significantly over the last five to ten years, and that change is something we cannot ignore.

"In the financial services industry many more customers are using mobile and internet banking than ever before, also interacting with us on social media over 85,000 times in the last 12 months.

"The upshot is that significantly fewer people are using our branches. 

"The decision to close these branches will help to ensure a sustainable branch network for the future and allow us to continue to invest in it, as illustrated by the improvement to 49 branches in 2020, along with the continuing investments in our people and digital platforms.

"We will write to all affected customers to advise them of local alternatives, as well as offering them 1-2-1 sessions to help explain their options or provide help in setting up mobile or internet banking.

"By the end of 2020, HSBC UK will still have a large network of branches in the UK and will remain well positioned to serve its customers."

HSBC UK customers can access their bank account and carry out their day-to-day banking in all 11,500 Post Office locations.

Branch closures where jobs are at risk: 

  • London Park Royal – to close on July 3
  • Peterlee – July 10
  • Chard – July 10
  • Royston – July 10
  • Tiverton – July 31
  • Ely – July 31
  • Pembroke – July 31
  • Saffron Walden – July 31
  • Thetford – to close later in 2020
  • Bourne – to close later in 2020

Branch closures where jobs will be moved to nearby sites: 

  • Bristol Bedminster – closing on July 3
  • Leigh-on-Sea – closing July 3
  • Chingford – closing July 3
  • Swindon Old Town – closing July 3
  • Kensington High Street – closing July 3
  • Blaby – closing July 10
  • Leigh Bradshawgate – closing July 10
  • Wallasey – closing July 10
  • Pudsey – closing July 10
  • Croydon Wellesley Road – July 31
  • London Greenwich – to close later in 2020
  • London Regent Street – to close later in 2020
  • Redhill – to close later in 2020
  • Sheffield Broomhill – to close later in 2020
  • Cheltenham Bath Road – to close later in 2020
  • Coventry Corporation Street – to close later in 2020
  • Heswall – to close later in 2020.