HSBC bank is set to close its branch in Burnham, which has prompted the town’s MP to express his ‘frustration’ at the decision.

In a statement released on Monday, the bank announced the branch in College Street would close in January next year.

It read: “Over the past five years, we have seen footfall reduce by an average of 28 per cent at our Burnham branch and based on this, we have made the difficult decision to close the branch.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we will work closely with those impacted, including customers, to help them understand their options.”

Wells MP James Heappey said he is ‘deeply disappointed’ to hear the news.

He said: “HSBC briefed me on the closures last week and I understand staff were told last week too. While HSBC is offering opportunities for all affected staff in other branches, my first concern is those whose jobs are affected.

“It is hugely frustrating yet more bank branches are closing and there is no escaping that, for some in our community, there is no option other than banking in person, over the counter in a local bank. It is disingenuous for our high street banks to claim they can close branches without impact.”