I want my £100,000 out of Halifax

Bank workers and customers today told of their fears for the future of HBOS as bosses raced to avoid disaster.

While Lloyds TSB held merger talks, customer Hamish Rowan-Hamilton tried to remove his savings from the Halifax amid concern the deal was not guaranteed.

The 47-year-old City worker said he had well over £100,000 in an account with the bank following the sale of a house.

Mr Rowan-Hamilton, who also has an account with Lloyds, said: "With shares dropping, of course I am concerned. I could spread it (the money) around all the banks but I would be safer with the money in government stocks.

"It is a domino effect. If one bank starts going they all may go. I went in today to enquire about buying gilts. I am fairly concerned about the banking sector generally. Some market traders are playing around with finances and they should not be allowed to do that to that extent."

As staff arrived at the HBOS building in the City today they spoke of their fears. An analyst, 28, who did not wish to give his name, insisted HBOS was "well placed". He said: "We have been over-punished. We are now a sentimental target because of the more bearish feeling. We have no worried in terms of our portfolios, it is just a matter of confidence." He said staff did not know much about the possible takeover, but added: "There might be a good opportunity for Lloyds. Culturally it would be a good fit."

Customer Sinnathamby Chandra, 50, said information on the internetwas spreading "panic". He said: "Things like this happened in the past, but because information is at people's fingertips, it creates panic. I'm not overly concerned about Halifax as it is the largest building society in this country. If it goes, the rest are going as well, and I'm pretty confident the Government would come to the rescue."