ToRY MP Jeremy Hunt has called on RBS to reconsider its decision to close its NatWest branch in Haslmere High Street, next June – leaving just Lloyds in the town centre and a Santander branch in Wey Hill.

Mr Hunt, who has written to Les Matheson, RBS’ head of personal business banking, to object, said: “It is really bad news for the town as we look set to lose another one of our banks.

“It appears too many people are switching to online banking, making these branches uneconomic, but my concern is for older people who do not or cannot bank online and for whom the branch is a lifeline.

“Haslemere’s West Street Post Office, when we secure its future, is a possible lifeline. We are still very much working with the Post Office nationally to try and safeguard the existence of a branch in the town centre.

“We achieved an extension to its proposed closure, and there are a couple of opportunities being assessed to try and secure a new organisation, or individual, to take on the business which would make a big difference to those who currently use NatWest.”

Mayor Malcolm Carter has written to RBS pointing out there will only be one cash point left in the town centre.