A MAYOR has spoken of his concerns after finding out his town is to lose its last bank.

Cllr David Ellis said he was 'dismayed' to find out Lloyds Bank has plans to close its doors on The Cross, Buckley.

The closure will be particularly detrimental to elderly residents who do not use internet banking, he added.

Cllr Ellis said: "With it being the last bank in Buckley it comes as a big blow to residents and businesses.

"I am worried for the elderly - a lot of people rely on this branch.

"Banks are vital to encourage footfall into the town. The nearest branch will now be Mold, which is a six mile round trip."

According to a closing branch review, published on Lloyds Bank's website earlier this year, the decision to close the branch came after a 'careful review'.

The document reads: "When we close a branch we complete a detailed impact analysis which will include how customers are choosing to bank with us, how often customers use the branch and how that usage is changing.

"Following a careful review the Buckley branch will close on February 4, 2019."

A Lloyds Bank spokesman said: “We have made the difficult decision to close the Lloyds Bank Buckley branch in February 2019 due to the changing ways customers choose to bank with us, which has resulted in the branch being used less often.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

"Customers can continue to access their banking locally by visiting the nearby Post Office, which is less than half a mile from the branch.

"The nearest alternative branch is Mold.”

According to the review document the other factors assessed when considering closure include current services available in the branch and the branch opening hours, assessment and check of alternative ways to bank including their proximity and accessibility, assessment of public transport, availability and frequency and impact on customers including those who may need additional support.