16 April 2007: Customer Disservice

Global banking giant HSBC, which advertises itself as 'the world's local bank,' has upset residents in the tiny English village of Canford Cliffs.

It has announced that it will charge ordinary customers about £20 per month to use the local branch. Wealthy customers can still use it for free.

To qualify for free branch use with HSBC you need 50,000 pounds in savings, a 100,000-pound mortgage, or an annual income of at least 75,000 pounds.

"Some people have higher incomes and need greater services through the bank. These customers demand a better service", said a spokesman.