A THIRD of banks in Wyre Forest have closed since 2015, new figures show.

Analysis from consumer champion Which? has shown a sharp decline in the number of bank branches open in areas across much of the UK compared to seven years ago.

According to figures up to the end of April, five banks have been shuttered in Wyre Forest since the start of 2015, leaving nine remaining in the area.

Which? chief executive, Anabel Hoult, said: “While the pandemic has accelerated the move to digital payments for many consumers, many are not yet ready to make that switch and require protection from an avalanche of ATM and bank branch closures that have left the UK’s cash system at risk of collapse.”

The increasing use of online banking and contactless payments has led to concerns some will be left behind, or unable to access key services.