Re: local building society closing down
The same happened here. First the one and only local bank branch closed so I then used a building society close to a large supermarket some six miles from where I live and where I shopped. Then that was closed, the head office had the nerve to say that there was another branch just five miles away in the local town. I had already driven six miles to the first one when it was open so with that closing it meant a round trip of 22 miles plus parking at £2 a time!
What I did then was to make more use of online banking and Direct Debits to pay bills. Then I got myself a Debit card and a Credit card. The Debit card is used to pay for almost everything, I've also started using the contactless facility for small purchases up to £30. The Credit card is just for larger purchases with the balance settled in full so avoiding any charges. Whenever I shop at any supermarket now I get 'cash back' if I need it, they are happy to do this. A maximum of £50 is allowed so that solves the problem of getting cash. I dislike the 'hole in the wall' machines as I always feel unsafe with my back to anybody in the queue.
I believe Post Offices can also be used in the way banks and building societies were once used. There are ways and means around most things, it's just a case of being flexible enough to use whatever else is available, especially new technology.
One other measure I have taken is to open an account with a supermarket for online shopping, just in case for any reason I cannot get to the supermarket. Living on my own this could happen. It costs nothing to do this even if not used but is very good in an emergency if I cannot drive or get out.