LEDBURY people have responded with dismay to news that another bank is set to close in the town.

HSBC closed in the summer, and now NatWest has announced, through letters to customers, that it will shut its branch in the Homend, on June 1 next year.

NatWest say that "with more customers using a digital services, the number using our branches for everyday transactions is falling".

The branch in Hereford's Broad Street will remain open, and the bank says that for customers who might find it physically difficult to travel some distance to a bank to discuss borrowing or saving,it may be able to visit those customers or help them to travel in to the branch.

But the nearest NatWest cash machine will be at Morrison's in Malvern, although NatWest customers will still be able to use the cash machines of other banks in Ledbury.

Ledbury's mayor, Cllr Debbie Baker said the new arrangements for NatWest customers "would be a bugbear" and she added: "This will make life more difficult for people. It's bad news. I feel particularly bad for the elderly who are so used to be able to go into a convenient branch and use it.

"To have to travel to a branch is spending money before you put money in."

Cllr Baker added: "How many more banks in Ledbury are we going to lose?"

Ledbury resident, Ed Hogan said the closure was "a slap in the face" for Ledbury customers, and he added: "All in all, the NatWest decision to close the branch is short-sighted, represents poor knowledge of customer need, and is probably driven solely by a desire to reduce costs.

"Clearly foot-fall, customer loyalty and community need are not criteria when deciding which branches to close."

News of the planned closure has also been met with dismay on social media sites, including Facebook.

One fear concerned the extra pressure the closure would put on the town's remaining cash points.

One resident said: "It's great the bank pointing out that there are other cash-points, however, there are enough queues at each one now, and they will run empty more frequently, so what are we all supposed to do?"

Other residents are worried about possible complications which could arise if they have to switch banks, and another resident said: "It's so annoying! - Having to drive all the way to Hereford or Malvern to put a cheque in!"