UNHAPPY Hagley Parish Council leader Steve Colella has vowed to fight proposals by Barclays Bank to close its High Street branch later this year.

Regular customers have already received letters informing them about the forthcoming closure, which has now been earmarked for November 20.

But the decision by Barclays has already been branded as short-sighted by Councillor Colella and is seen as another blow to Hagley.

Barclays claim customer usage of the Hagley branch has declined by four per cent over the past year and bank bosses believe a large proportion of their customers use other branches.

Raj Dhaliwal, the bank's community leader, said: "We do not take the decision to close any branch lightly and we are committed to adhering to the new UK Government protocol on branch closures.

"Colleagues will be on hand to assist customers with any concerns they may have and we hope the availability of nearby branches, access to services at the local post office and our range of digital channels will help ease the transition for our customers."

However, Cllr Colella, who is also a district councillor, has hit back and said: "It's a very well used bank and this will be seen as the loss of another essential service in Hagley. Not only do we lose the bank, but also the cash machine that goes with it.

"This type of closure is another example of how important high street services are being replaced by online business. Banking is one of those services which at times benefits from face-to-face business.

"It seems Barclays are completely unaware of the impending increase in population that is set to take place in Hagley which could provide them with another 1,000 potential customers.

"I am encouraging all people who use the bank or cash machine to register their objection to the bank and encourage their head office to keep this branch open.

"If it does close, it will have a long-term impact and will leave Hagley with just a post office and Lloyds Bank."