A BUSINESS group in Whitchurch has announced its 'sadness' at the upcoming closure of a Halifax bank branch in the town.

Whitchurch Business Group gave its response to the news the high street bank in Green End will be closing on Thursday, November 17 alongside other branches across the UK.

The closest branches for Whitchurch based customers will be in Wrexham and in Crewe and TSB will be only high street bank left in the town.

Hilary Seward from Whitchurch Business Group said it was another asset the town has lost and that the bank led to people coming in to the town and using local businesses.

She added: "Whitchurch Business Group is saddened at the closure of the Halifax.

"It is another major asset lost to the town. All the banks brought so many residents into town for business and personal use and inevitably whilst in the town, those people visited shops, cafes, pubs etc.

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"Remote internet banking may be efficient, but people like to do business face to face especially when it involves financial matters.

"If the Halifax expect the Post Office to pick up some of its work then this will be even busier.

"Long may the TSB stay open in Whitchurch. Perhaps more local residents & businesses will support it.

"Whitchurch Business Group is creating fresh, positive relationships with the mayor, Andy Hall and the chief officer, Mike McDonald to work together in the face of such challenges."

The bank defended its decision and said the the use of high street banks has decreased in recent years.

A spokesperson explained: "Like many other high street businesses, we've seen people using our branches less frequently in recent years as more customers choose to do most of their everyday banking online.

"We’re responding to the way our customers use our branches.

"We’ll continue to invest in our branch network, but we have to make sure our branches are where customers need and use them most.

"As a result, we've made the difficult decision to close this branch because customers are using it less often."

The bank said customers would be able to use the post office for banking purposes.

They added: "You can use any of our branches and our nearest alternative is the Wrexham branch.

"You can also use a post office for everyday banking.

"And for a short period of time after the branch closes we still plan to have a community banker visit this area.

"We are still here to support you and there are a number of ways you can bank with us."