A RALLYING cry has gone up from councillors and businesses to oppose “senseless” plans to close Northallerton’s HSBC bank. Town councillors said they are “mortified” and “appalled” that the bank has announced its High Street branch will close in August. Councillors have joined with Northallerton BID, which represents more than 200 traders and businesses in the town, in objecting to the plans and calling for a rethink. Northallerton town councillor Colin Hutson told members at a virtual meeting: “It makes no sense at all. Hawes, Leyburn and now Northallerton are being closed by HSBC to leave Thirsk with clients from all over North Yorkshire expected to go there, it is absolutely ridiculous.