TOWN councillors say they are “disappointed” following a bank’s decision to close their local branch.

NatWest in Alresford will close next year and its two staff will either be relocated or made redundant.

The East Street-based branch is now opening its doors to customers to “help them with different ways to bank”, said Sarah Binnie, of RBS Communications which represents NatWest.

In a statement she said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our NatWest Alresford branch on March 25 2015.

“The number of transactions taking place at this branch has dropped by 15 per cent over the last few years. Over our whole branch network there has been a 30 per cent drop in branch transactions since 2010 as people do their banking where and when it is convenient for them, whilst online and mobile transactions have grown by over 200 per cent.

“We expect these trends to continue as more and more of our customers bank with us through our mobile app, by online and telephone and through our upgraded ATM network. When we close a branch, we take a number of factors into account including usage and alternative ways to bank with us in the local area.”

The Chronicle broke the news to chairman of Alresford Chamber of Commerce and town councillor, Simon Evans. He said: “I didn’t know about that. I bank with NatWest. That’s a bit weird isn’t it? I would have to drive to a branch now wouldn’t I? They obviously have not made it public knowledge because no-one has said anything to me. They are obviously not busy enough.”

The bank says that customers can use the Post Office to withdraw cash, check balances and make deposits, but town council chairman Lisa Griffiths says she still thinks it will cause problems for local businesses and the elderly.

She said: “It is disappointing. We have a lot of elderly residents in Alresford. I’m sure it will make their lives very difficult. It’s for profitability and unfortunately lots of the banks are closing branches.

“We still have Lloyds and Barclays and there will be the Post Office, but it’s about making sure people know about alternative facilities.

“If you are a local business and you use them for your cash facilities you cannot then transfer that on a daily basis or go into Winchester or Alton. It will probably be a problem for them.”

Jan Field, chair of the Alresford Society, said it is “unfortunate” and although online services will be improved she thinks elderly people will not use it.

“I imagine that some people will change their bank account,” she said.

“Lots of people, particularly older people, are very reluctant to get involved with online banking. They feel it isn’t safe and they like to see a face and have that personal connection and support.

“Towns like Alresford are very successful because there is that connection with people.” The closure comes as part of the bank’s £1billion investment over the next few years to improve online and mobile banking and upgrade 400 branches across the country.