AN OLD Town bank earmarked for closure has had its final day pushed back three months.

The HSBC branch on Marlborough Road should have shut at the start of July but a new closure date has since been agreed, changing the chain's plans and giving its users a brief reprieve.

Lack of customers has been blamed for the impending closure on October 23 but after it shuts, there will only be one bank left in Old Town.

The nearby Lloyds branch will soon be the last bank standing in the area - and that may not be enough for people living nearby.

Coun Stan Pajak said: "This is terrible news for the many users of this fantastic asset to life in Old Town.

"It is widely used by residents and businesses and gives a wonderful personal service often knowing customers by name.

"This will leave only one bank in Old Town amid our hopes for promoting the area as a place to live, use and as a cultural hub of our town.

"As an HSBC customer, I will writing to them to reconsider - we deserve better."

Contrary to the councillor's claims, the bank said that this facility saw more than 60 per cent fewer customer visits than a typical HSBC UK branch and more than a quarter fewer counter transactions.

And the number of ATM transactions made there was almost 60 per cent lower than the average brick-and-mortar facility.

Once it closes, all the customer accounts will be transferred to the HSBC on Canal Walk which is one mile down the road.

A spokesman for the bank pointed out that the town centre branch has longer weekday opening hours under normal circumstances, is open on a Saturday, and has more staff and self-serve facilities.

A Post Office less than half a mile away can help customers carry out their day-to-day transactions.

The closure is one of 27 being carried out across the country throughout the year because of a rise fewer customers needing to seek help in-person.

The spokesman added: “The decision to close branches has not been taken lightly and reflects the need to maintain a sustainable branch network as a result of changing customer habits.

"Over the past five years, the number of customers using HSBC branches has fallen by a third.

"Nine in ten customer contact with the bank is now completed over the phone, on the internet or smartphone, and 99% of cash withdrawals are made at an ATM.”