HSBC’s exclusive village branch

Some HSBC customers in a Dorset village will no longer be able to see their bank manager as the branch turns into one of the most exclusive in England.

At its Canford Cliffs branch, the self-titled “world’s local bank” will only allow face-to-face banking for its “premier” customers.

The move, which starts in June, means Canford Cliffs will be the country’s only exclusively “premier” HSBC branch.

An HSBC spokesman said it has no plans to introduce such a service elsewhere.

The cheapest house currently on the market in Canford Cliffs, near Poole, is priced at £330,000 with the most expensive priced at more than £8m.

To be eligible for the face-to-face banking service at Canford Cliffs, customers must have:

* £50,000 savings

* or a £200,000 mortgage

* or a £100,000 mortgage and £75,000 salary

* or pay £19.95 a month “premier” account fee

Other customers will have to visit nearby branches in Poole or Westbourne, although they will still be able to deposit and withdraw funds from cash machines at Canford Cliffs, which does not have a cashier service.

One customer, who did not want to be named, said: “That’s what this area is all about – money, it’s the way it’s going.”

An HSBC spokesman said: “The reason we are doing it is because Canford Cliffs is a very wealthy area and well serviced by HSBC. It’s a unique location.

“A high percentage of customers at this particular branch are premier customers.”