I was really disappointed when I came to know that the management of the HSBC had decided to close the Tarxien branch as from December 15, with due disregard to the locals especially the elderly. It had always been my conviction that HSBC was very customer-friendly, especially with the elderly, but it seems that I was mistaken.

Before 1993, Tarxien did not have a bank branch to cater for the financial needs of the locals. For their banking services they had to go to Paola Square, where there were three banks in operation. However, the situation changed in 1993, due to the efforts and good work of the then Tarxien civic council.

During this time, the civic council, among the services needed for the locals, considered a local bank branch as a priority, especially for the elderly, whose pension was then being handled by a bank. It was therefore agreed to start work on bringing banking services to the locality. In the 1993/1994, this council started sounding which bank was interested in opening a branch at Tarxien.

I remember that Norman Mifsud, the then chairman of Mid-Med Bank, had expressed an interest. A meeting was convened, so a delegation of the council, headed by myself, had a meeting with the management of the bank’s head office in Valletta. I had more talks with the management later and finally a decision was taken. A branch was opened at Tarxien, which was inaugurated by Mr Mifsud.

In the circumstances, considering the hardship this branch closure will cause to the locals, especially the elderly, the management is urged to find ways and means to meet halfway in order to alleviate the said hardship.

It is proposed that the branch will be of service at least two days a week, giving a full banking service during this time. It is hoped this proposal will be accepted by the bank management.