A HAMPSHIRE village is set to lose its bank.

Barclays Bank intends to close its branch in Hamble on November 20, meaning customers face a significantly longer journey to do their banking at places like Hedge End or Woolston.

Eastleigh Borough Council has told the bank of its disappointment at the decision and a leading councillor has called upon the bank to reconsider.

Chair of Bursledon Hamble and Hound Local Area Committee Cllr Tonia Craig said: “We are disappointed and concerned that Barclays are intending to close their branch in Hamble.

“It is the last bank on the Hamble peninsula and this closure means that the nearest banks will be in Hedge End, Park Gate, Woolston or Bitterne.

“The closure will certainly affect many residents, business customers and especially the elderly many of whom do not have internet access or their own IT equipment.”

Cllr Craig argued that at peak times during the year and for many local events the Barclays cashpoint machine is heavily used by visitors.

She said the High Street bank’s closure would put extra pressure on the cash point at the Co-Op store and also on services at the Hamble Post Office.

“I would urge Barclays to reconsider this decision and keep an important community service on the Hamble peninsula,” she added.

Barclays has already closed its bank in Portswood Road, Southampton in July.

This also comes after a branch of another bank closed in the borough last year.

The Natwest in Botley Road, Fair Oak closed last July after bosses argued there had been a fall in trade as customers turned to alternatives like telephone and online banking.

Local residents and businesses had launched a campaign to save it with a petition attracting more than 1,000 signatures.