Two local councils have appealed to HSBC to reconsider its decision to close the branches in their localities, saying it would create difficulties for their ageing residents.

In separate statements, the Msida and Luqa councils pointed out that a number of elderly residents needed the bank because they found it difficult to familiarise themselves with the cash machines.

The councils said they understood the corporate nature of the bank’s decision but it must never forget the social aspect, because after all, citizens were not just numbers.