Hello LPG,
 
I want to tell you a bit about my local bank.  It is one of the ‘big four’ but it is unique in as much as it appears to be built on three floors.  
 
When I walk in, there is always someone to greet me, unless he or she is busy with another customer and that member of staff will immediately talk me into using one of the ATM (automatic telling machines) that also greet me at the door.  It occurs to me that the staff do their very best to dissuade me from going to the counter.  The only service kiosk to be found on that level is the bureau de change.
 
I find it really hard to request access to the first floor where the people are that I prefer to transact my business with. There is a two-tier bank service in many banks these days but I feel that the particular branch that I attend makes it all the more marked because of the fact that these services are found on different floors of the bank.
 
I can only tell you about my experience, but I suspect that all customers are treated the same and I am sure that the younger ones are not put off by this.  I also know that this is the shape of banking to come but there is something to be said for being able to talk to someone and I strongly suspect that the very nice person who greets you there will disappear before you know it.
 
Am I the only reader who is troubled by this?

DC,  Bromley